In a major breakthrough, Dimapur Police has successfully busted an illegal arms and ammunition trade in Chumoukedima, Nagaland. The operation, which spanned from 9th July, led to the arrest of six individuals, including one shocking revelation of a high-ranking official’s involvement.
The primary accused of the operation was found to be Micheal Yanthan, an Arm Branch Inspector of the Central Police Store in Chumoukedima. He was apprehended on 12th July along with five others. The news was confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y Patton.
Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, shared the details of the operation with the media. The police had received a tip-off on 9th July regarding an impending illegal arms transaction in the sixth-mile area of Chumoukedima. Acting swiftly, the Dimapur Police laid an ambush and kept a close watch on the location.
On the morning of 10th July, at approximately 8:30 to 9:00 am, the police intercepted a dark blue Baleno Car, which was suspected to be carrying the illegal arms and ammunition. Two individuals, Roshan Zeliang and Tuisang, were arrested on the spot, and a significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the vehicle.
During interrogation, Zeliang and Tuisang disclosed valuable information, revealing that they had obtained the arms consignment from a woman named Elizabeth. Upon further questioning, Elizabeth divulged that she had acquired the weapons from a self-styled Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN-IM, identified as Apham Shimray.
Later the same evening, Shimray was taken into custody, and under intense questioning, he admitted to arranging and procuring the illegal arms from a man named Lanu Pongen. The police wasted no time in tracking down Pongen, who initially claimed the weapons were sourced from a notorious rhino poacher in Assam named Mangleing Konyak. However, faced with the prospect of taking full responsibility, Pongen finally confessed that the arms were, in fact, supplied by the very person tasked with ensuring law and order – Arms Branch Inspector Micheal Yanthan.
Commissioner Sophie revealed that Yanthan confessed to his role in the illegal arms trade, stating that he was solely responsible for selling the guns at a price of 4.25 lakhs INR. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and the Nagaland Police said they are determined to leave no stone unturned.