IMPHAL, April 27: A police investigation regarding the grenade attack at the residence of Dr Madhubala, a high ranking Amway Business Owner at Lamphel Sanakeithel on Tuesday last resulted in arrest of three perpetrators.
Briefing reporters at Imphal East police station this afternoon, Addl. SP Ak Jhalajit said, the three arrested are Heikrujam Kiran Meitei alias Kirankumar,33, of Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai, Ningthoujam Sana Meitei alias Johnson,36, of Moirangkampu Khewa Bazaar and Haobijam Noren Meitei alias Ibomcha, 37, of Thanga Karang.
He further said, they are working under directive from SS Captain Silheiba and SS Major Erei of PREPAK(Pro).
“We could not prevent the Sanakeithel bomb attack in which two persons were injured, but however we were able to prevent similar occurrences at other locations”, he added saying that the perpetrators had orders to carry out three more attacks.
The ASP appealed the public to give cooperation to the police by giving timely information. “One can always call up their near ones working with the police force or intimate the district SPs. Lobbing grenades for extortion to the citizens is a despicable act, and the public should aid the department in booking the culprits ”, he added.
The three persons were arrested on Thursday last and police seized 2 demand letters signed by SS major Erei, three hand grenades and two mobile handsets from their possession.
Prepak (Pro) had demanded Rs 5 lacs from Dr Madhubala and her husband Jiban.
The arrested persons are also involved in the extortion from various passenger vehicles including Bus, Tata Magic and auto rickshaws plying along Pangei, Saikhul,Oksu, Sawombung,Heikrumakhong, Khabeisoi,Pukhao,Yumnam Khunou, Waiton, Yaingangpokpi and Maphou Dam,etc.
Meanwhile, a powerful Chinese hand grenade was found outside the residential gate of Moirangthem Surjit, superintendant of Taxation Department just after midnight yesterday, police said on Friday.
The bomb, which was reportedly planted by unknown people suspected to be militants, was retrieved by a Manipur police bomb squad, they added. No one has claimed responsibility for the incident.