Imphal: The Manipur Police on Wednesday arrested another Havildar of the state Home Department in connection with the seizure of an unregistered bulletproof vehicle at a sensitive location in Imphal East district.
With this, two Havildars of the Manipur Police have been arrested for allegedly using an unauthorised armoured vehicle, according to the Manipur Police morning bulletin issued on Thursday.
Bulletproof vehicles require mandatory certification, such as approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), for registration and legal use in India. The unauthorised possession or use of such vehicles is illegal, and the accused failed to produce valid documents, police said.
Laishram Sanaton Meitei (41), a resident of Khurai Kongpal Ningthoubung Leikai in Imphal East district and a Havildar in the Manipur Police, was arrested following the earlier arrest of Thounaojam Nilkamal Singh (30) of Malom Tuliyaima Awang Leikai in Imphal West district, also a Havildar in the Manipur Police, on December 30, 2025.
Police intercepted Thounaojam Nilkamal Singh after stopping a bulletproof black Scorpio S11 without a registration number at the Wangkhei Andro Parking area under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district on December 30.
While ownership of bulletproof vehicles is permitted under strict regulatory and certification norms, their possession or use without proper registration and authorisation—particularly by police personnel—constitutes a serious offence, officials said.
The arrests have raised concerns over the unauthorised use of security-grade equipment, even within police ranks, amid heightened security operations in the state.