It has been established that the unaccounted money amounting to Rs 21 lakh seized at Waithou Ching checkpost in Thoubal district by police on Saturday is indeed for a forest scheme, according to highly reliable sources.
The officials who belong to the Forest department claimed that the money was encashed for a forest scheme to be taken up in Chandel district but could not produce any documents relating to it, as per the source.
Police after informing the Election Commission and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO, Manipur) seized the money and deposited it to the Treasury department, the source said.
It added that the money would be refunded as and when proper documents and proofs are provided that the money was indeed for a scheme.
It may be mentioned that as per the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) which has been enforced with the announcement of 18th Lok Sabha Election, 2024 by the Election Commission of India, the public has been advised not to carry more than Rs 50,000 in cash or above.
According to Election Commission instructions, the CISF or police authorities at airports are supposed to “instantaneously report to the Income Tax Department” anyone carrying cash worth more than Rs10 lakh, or more than 1 kg in gold.
The district administrations and the Police Department had been instituted while various personnel/manpower such as Flying Squad Teams and Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed as countermeasures to check such activities.
Meanwhile, security forces recovered one 9 mm country made pistol along with magazíne, one 7.65 mm Pistol along with magazine and five live ammunition rounds from Changoubung village, Kangpokpi district during search operations and area domination conducted in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts on Saturday.
Police control room on Sunday said that the situation in the State was under control, during the last 24 hours. Movement of 250 and 27o vehicles along NH-37 and NH-02 respectively with essential items have been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and a security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles, it added.
A total of 125 Nakas/ Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and Police detained 356 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the state, it stated.
Appeal is made to the general public not to believe in rumours and be aware of false videos. Any circulations of unfounded videos etc. may be confirmed from the rumour free number - 9233522822 of Central Control room. Further, an appeal is made to the public to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or nearest security forces immediately.
