Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15:
A gang of impostors who collected Rs 2 lakhs from different persons in the guise of RPF led by one defeated Bharatiya Janata Party candidate of Lamsang Assembly Constituency in the last two general elections was nabbed by the Finance Section of Division II of RPF.
The ring leader identified as Thoudam Nabachandra (53) of Lamdeng Makha Leikai in connivance with three other persons identified as lecturer of Education Dept, Biramangol College, Sawombung Moirangthem Ibungo (43) of Keibi Taret-khul, Meisnam Lokendro (48) of Mayanglangjing Taning Mayai Leikai and Khangenbam Sanahal (34) of Kumbi Thingel Leikai collected the Rs 2 lakhs by showing Government work orders.
They misled their victims saying that these works are for RPF and certain amount of money should be deposited first as party percentage to get the work orders.
This was disclosed by a spokesman of Finance Section of Division no II while briefing reporters.
All the impostors were paraded before reporters.
The spokesman stated that the collected amount has been distributed equally among them.
The work orders used by the gang as bait included those signed by Executive Engineer of District Council Engineering Cell, Wing I, for construction of Individual Adult Rearing House under Sericulture Department with an estimated amount of Rs 43,78, 900 issued in the name of 1st Class contractor-civil, O Okendrajit of Khagempalli Pankha Nganapi Thong.
The second work order was issued in the name of one contractor Ksh Amarjit of Thangmeiband Lairenhanjaba Leikai for water supply and sanitary installation at the hostel of Ibotonsana Girls' Hr Sec School with the estimated amount of Rs 3,85,974.The third was in the name of Ratan Electricals Goods Manufacturing Industries of Singjamei Thokchom Leikai with the estimated amount of Rs 1, 28,312.Above that, copies of work order of IDSMT under MAHUD Department amounting to Rs 170 lakhs were recovered from the gang, said the spokesman.
Blank letter heads of special class contractor and supplier, M Chaoba of Uripok Khaidem Leikai and 1st class contractor and supplier, G Panmei of Tamenglong were also confiscated from the imposters, he added.
Receipts for purchase of articles by the quartet have been recovered from them.
In connection with the issue, the spokesman disclosed to the reporters that the amount of Rs 2 lakhs collected by them in the name of Revolutionary Peoples' Front must be paid back to the party by 20 of this month.