A serving havildar of Manipur Police has been arrested after he was found travelling in an unregistered armoured vehicle in Imphal East district. The incident has raised serious concern within the police department, as the vehicle was bulletproof and did not have any registration number or official markings. The havildar has been identified as 30-year-old Thounaojam Nilkamal Singh. He is a resident of Malom Tuliyaima Awang Leikai in Imphal West district. According to police, he was stopped during a routine checking drive at Andro Parking in the Wangkhei area, which falls under Porompat Police Station limits. During the inspection, police noticed that the black Scorpio S11 SUV was fitted with armoured protection and bulletproof features, but it carried no registration plates. Since the vehicle appeared to be modified for security use, police asked for documents. However, Singh could not provide valid papers showing ownership or official permission for the vehicle.
He was then detained for questioning, and the vehicle was seized. Police have started an investigation to trace how the havildar obtained the vehicle and whether it was being used for any official purpose or private use. Authorities are also trying to confirm when and where the armouring work was carried out. Officials said the matter is being treated seriously because the vehicle is of a type usually used by security personnel under proper authorisation. The unauthorised use of such a vehicle has led to concerns about the possible misuse of security equipment by individuals, including those within the police system. The arrest took place at a time when Manipur remains tense and security forces continue to carry out regular operations in sensitive areas across the state. Police said the situation makes it even more important to regulate weapons, vehicles and other security equipment strictly.
On the same day as the arrest, a separate security operation was carried out at the foothills of Yerum Ching in Thoubal district. During this operation, security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and protective gear.The recovery was made under the jurisdiction of Nongpok Sekmai Police Station. Among the seized items were three bolt-action rifles and five 9mm pistols along with magazines. Police also recovered a 36 high-explosive hand grenade, which is a military-grade explosive device. In addition to the weapons, the team found 40 rounds of ammunition of different calibres, three INSAS magazines, one SLR magazine, four detonators, and other items normally used in riot or combat situations. These included two bulletproof vests, three helmets, two tear smoke shells, and one anti-riot rubber bullet.
