A couple allegedly involved in drug trafficking narrowly escaped abduction on Monday night in Sangaiyumpham Mamang Leikai under Thoubal Police Station, Thoubal district, after armed miscreants fired several rounds during the incident.
According to sources, a group of seven to eight unidentified individuals apprehended the couple along with a quantity of drugs around 8:30 p.m. As the assailants attempted to abduct the couple, the wife’s cries for help attracted the attention of a passerby, leading to a scuffle. During the altercation, shots were fired from unknown directions, resulting in one of the assailants sustaining injuries.
The injured individual, identified as 28-year-old Moirangmayum Romantic, son of Hemanta from Wangjing, was initially taken to Swiss Hospital in Wangjing Heirok Lamkhai and later transferred to RIMS Hospital for further treatment. Another assailant, identified as 38-year-old Narengbam Gobin, son of the late Iboyaima, was arrested by Thoubal Police.
Contrary to initial reports made by locals, the assailants were not associated with the Arambai Tenggol group, according to a clarification issued by residents.
In response to the incident, a combined security force, including Thoubal District Police, 3rd IRB, and 33rd Assam Rifles, launched a search operation in the area. The operation led to the seizure of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including six live rounds of INSAS rifle ammunition, five spent 9mm cartridges, one spent .303 cartridge, and spent casings from INSAS and SLR rifles. These items were recovered from the roadside in Sangaiyumpham Thanga Leikai at approximately 9:05 p.m.
Later that evening, the same security team apprehended Narengbam Gobin near Swiss Hospital, Wangjing, at around 11:30 p.m. from whom they seized a 9mm pistol, a magazine loaded with five live rounds, a Swift car, and an SMG carbine. Gobin was identified as an active member of a faction of the proscribed KYKL outfit.
The injured assailant, Moirangmayum Romantic, was also arrested later that night at 11:57 p.m. from Swiss Hospital. Both individuals are now in custody, and a case has been registered at Thoubal Police Station for further investigation.
