Role of underground groups likely in bank robbery case: Manipur CM

Imphal: Manipur police continues to probe on the recent sensational broad daylight robbery which has claimed the life of a security guard in Churachandpur district. So far, no individual has been arrested in connection with the case or ascertained the involvement of any armed groups or criminal organisation, as per the official report.

However, going by the nature of the alleged killing of the security guard during the robbery without anyone at the nearby areas of the crime scene, chief minister N Biren Singh stated that there is a possibility of the involvement of armed groups operating in the district under the Suspension of Operation (SoO).

Briefing media persons on Sunday, Singh said that the security guard was shot at by sophisticated weapon and no ordinary criminals will have such weapon to carry out the robbery.

Used of silencer gun or suppresser by the gunmen during the robbery has high possibilities of the involvement of insurgent groups in the robbery case, the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, as per the CM Biren Singh’s directive order, DGP LM Khaute visited Churachandpur and took stock of the ground situation upon the murder of the security guard by unidentified gunmen in a heist during the robbery, said the reports.

Also Read: Manipur: Rs 1.15 crore looted from SBI, Churachandpur branch; Guard shot

Singh had also instructed Khaute to hold a meeting with the representatives or leaders of SoO groups operating in Churachandpur district in connection with the criminal case.

Assuring the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the case, Khaute said that the investigation is on the right direction and on war footing to ensure that the case is solved without further delay.

As per reports, strict monitoring of CCTV footage in and around the crime scene has been initiated by police to find any lead about the culprits involved in the case. Moreover, three suspected persons have been picked up for questioning, it said.

Meanwhile, demanding immediate arrest of criminals involved in the daylight robbery case, Manipur ATM Service Sector has warned the authorities that ATM services in the state will stop from September 10 if culprits involved in the robbery are not booked by September 9.

On September 4, unidentified miscreants shot at the security guard in front of the State Bank of India (SBI) Churachandpur branch office located in the heart of the town. The gunmen who were on a motorcycle escaped from the crime scene with Rs 1.15 crore which was supposed to be dispensed for ATMs in and around the town.

The victim, identified as Arambam Ranjan, a security cum staff of Writer Safeguard Company, succumbed to the injury on the same day at Shija Hospital in Imphal.

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