IMPHAL, October 4: As a sign of major security lapse in the state, KCP (MTF) leader Sunil Meitei escaped from the lockup of Porompat Police Station yesterday night.
Seven police personnel including the officer-in-charge of Porompat Police Station have been suspended in connection with the escape. The suspended personnel are OC K Geetchandra, SI Kh Tondon, SI Vaiphei, ASI Md Sabir, constable Md Sakil, constable Md Tharood and constable Raghumani.
The commander-in-chief of KCP (MTF), Chirom Tiken alias Prem alias Sunil Meitei,35, s/o Ch Shyam of Waheng Khuman Mayai Leikai was arrested by a combined team of Delhi Police and 16 Maratha Light Infantry from Ijipura, Bangalore on June 29 and was brought back to Imphal by a team of Bishnupur Police on July 21.
He was involved in several criminal activities related to extortion and murder in Bishnupur, Imphal West and Imphal East districts.
According to police sources, Sunil Meitei was rearrested by Porompat Police from Bishnupur Police Station yesterday in connection with some criminal cases in Imphal East. He was then lodged in the lockup of Porompat Police Station along with three other people. However, he was found missing from the lockup by the security personnel in the wee hours today while the other three were present.
Some police personnel assumed that the militant might have escaped from the lockup after digging out the cemented floor which was not in good condition.
Manipur DGP Y Joykumar along with other high ranking police officials conducted an inquiry at the premises of Porompat Police Station today morning.
Subsequently, DGP announced a cash reward of Rs. one lakh to any person who can provide information or otherwise leading to the arrest of Sunil Meitei dead or alive. Information can be provided to any of the district SSP and in particular SSP of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur and DGP.
The phone numbers for SSP Imphal West are 2450159 (O), 2410672 (R) and 9436026263.
The phone numbers for SSP Imphal East are 2461790 (O), 2411805 (R) and 9436026666.
The phone numbers for SSP Thoubal are 03848-222415 (O), 222661 (R) and 9436028243 (M).
The phone numbers for SSP Bishnupur are 03879-222270 (O), 222222 (R) and 9436023204 (M).
The phone numbers for DGP are 2451166 (O), 2414832 (R) and 9436021897 (M).