Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: A joint team of Manipur Police and Assam Rifles apprehended a 33-year-old man and seized an illegal firearm along with a magazine loaded with live bullets in Senapati district near the Nagaland border on Thursday.
Acting on reliable intelligence regarding the possession of narcotic substances, a joint team of the 16 Assam Rifles, led by Major Saransh Roy, and Senapati District Police, under the overall supervision of the SP, Senapati, initiated an operation against S. Chakho (33), son of Sani from Makhan Centre Village.
Following a search conducted at his residence in Broadway, Senapati, in accordance with the law, no contraband was found. However, a foreign-made pistol was recovered from inside the house.
Upon interrogation, the accused failed to produce a valid license for the firearm, prompting charges under the Arms Act, 1959.
Furthermore, examination of the accused’s mobile phone and analysis of WhatsApp chats and call records revealed his alleged involvement in aiding and abetting a criminal conspiracy related to the illegal drug trade.
The digital evidence indicated communication with multiple individuals regarding the purchase and sale of narcotics.
The accused also admitted to peddling drugs to local addicts, attracting provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
He was formally arrested at 3:30 PM after completing all mandatory legal formalities.
Seized items included one 7.65 mm pistol marked “Made in Japan” along with one magazine, and two 7.65 mm live rounds.
The security forces also recovered one Redmi Note 14 5G mobile phone with SIM cards bearing the numbers 6009253135 and 8730003879, along with the Aadhaar card of the accused.
A case has been registered at Senapati Police Station, and an investigation is currently underway.