Security forces on Friday launched a mass search operation within the radius of 5 to 10 kms of Ukhrul town, after armed miscreants looted Rs 18.85 crore from Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Viewland, Ukhrul town under Ukhrul Police Station.
Manipur Police IGP Zone-3 Nishit kumar Ujjwal, DIG Range-4 Ningshen Worngam reached Ukhrul from Imphal on Friday to follow up the case along with SP Ukhrul Ningshen Vashum and 6th MR CO Lenin Lamabam and inspected the bank where the robbery happened.
Punjab National Bank, Viewland Branch Manager Rokhu Lovingson who was on leave also came to the bank on Thursday after the robbery took place. Kumuni was in charge of the bank while he was on leave.
Of the five 6th MR Havildar, three riflemen and one follower who were supposed to be on duty at the bank, only two havildar and one rifleman were on duty when the incident took place.
All nine police personnel were interrogated on Thursday night and they were again ordered to report themselves to get further statements from them on Friday at 8 am. Statements of nine PNB staff were taken on Friday at around 3pm.
A combined team of Ukhrul District Police and 35th Assam Rifles have been carrying out search operations at different places of Ukhrul town to nab the miscreants involved in the robbery. Sources said that the unknown miscreants were heard speaking Tangkhul dialect.
Police still could not get hold of any CCTV camera footage other than the footage from inside the bank. Ukhrul Police are on strict vigil and have been conducting search operations to nab the miscreants.
