NIA has recovered 9 pistols from UKLF chief resident

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, August 24, 2018: NIA has yesterday recovered nine numbers of 9 mm pistols, from UKLF chief Soson Haokip, which were among the 56 pistols that has been missing from the 2nd Manipur Rifles Battalion, Imphal.

NIA has been investigating case no. RC-02/2018/NIA-GUW which pertains to theft of 56 pistols and 58 magazines from the DG Pool Armoury located within the premises of 2nd Manipur Rifles Battalion, Imphal. The said weapons went missing between 2016 and early 2017.

During the course of investigation by NIA, one of the missing pistol bearing no. 18506735 was recovered at Mantri Pukhri, Imphal on July 30 during the search at the residence of MLA Yamgthong Haokip, Saikul Assembly Constituency, said a NIA press release.

Investigation established that some of the pistols were handed over to Soson Haokip. Accordingly, on Thursdaysearches were conducted at the residential premises of Soson Haokip at Mantri Pukhuri, Imphal and at his farm house at Palell by NIA teams.

During searches nine numbers of 9 mm Pistols were recovered and seized from the residential premises of Soson Haokip at Mantri Pukuri, Imphal.

The pistols are believed to be from the same lot that went missing from the Police armoury at Imphal. The search is still continuing. So far, 14 pistols have been recovered from different accused persons in course of investigation. Efforts for recovery of left over pistols are on, said the press release.