IMPHAL, October 28: Several stolen vehicles including four wheelers were recovered during a raid from a house at Lilong Houreibi Lairakhong today, said OC Imphal Police Station Ak Santikumar Singh.
Speaking to media persons at a press briefing late this evening at his police station, the OC said the raid was conducted by a team of the special anti-vehicle lifters cell at the house of 25-year old Md Ajit Phundreimayum son of Md Zoillabuddin Phundreimayum.
He briefed media persons that with reports of escalation in vehicle lifting incidents in Imphal, the Narcotic Cell alone was unable to check the menace.
On October 22, an emergency meeting chaired by the Imphal West SP was convened during which it was decided to constitue an anti-vehicle lifter cell under officers of the Imphal PS, City PS, Lamphel PS and Singjamei PS.
Elaborating further, he said in the first operation, teams of the cell arrested three vehicle lifters and recovered a Maruti Alto car.
During frisking today, a person identified as Thokchom Nilakanta, 30, son of Th Samungou Singh of Mongsangei Mayai Leikai was detained, he said.
During further interrogation, Nilakanta revealed addresses which led to the recovery of the vehicles at Lilong, the OC said.
Following the revelation, a team of the cell rushed to the area in Lilong Houreibi Lairakhong and recovered two Maruti 800 cars, three Honda Activa mopeds and two motor bikes, he said.
However, Md Ajit was absent from his home and is presently absconding, the police OC said.
He further appealed to vehicle owners to be more careful and to use double locks while parking their vehicles especially the two wheelers.
He also said that the anti-vehicle lifter team will continue its surveillance and check the crime of vehicle lifting in the State.