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| Image: Manipur Police WhatsApp Channel |
Synopsis: A 28-year-old vehicle lifter, Saleh Khan of Lilong Tairenmakhong, Thoubal district, was arrested on March 8, 2026, after being caught attempting to steal a Honda Activa scooter at Paona Bazar, Imphal West. The vehicle's lock was found broken at the time of his arrest, and a cutter, screwdriver, and mobile phone were recovered from him. Both the accused and the scooter are currently in the custody of City Police Station, Imphal West, as investigation continues.
A 28-year-old man was arrested on Sunday, March 8, 2026, after he was caught in the act of attempting to steal a two-wheeler from Paona Bazar in Imphal West district, police confirmed.
The accused, identified as Saleh Khan, a resident of Lilong Tairenmakhong in Thoubal district, was apprehended on the spot while allegedly trying to make off with a Honda Activa scooter bearing registration number AS11V-9668. The vehicle had been parked at the busy Paona Bazar locality when Khan allegedly moved in to steal it.
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Responding officers found the lock of the scooter already broken at the time of his arrest, suggesting Khan had wasted little time getting to work. A search of his person revealed a mobile phone along with what police described as incriminating items a cutter and a screwdriver, tools commonly used to bypass vehicle security and tamper with ignition systems.
The recovery of these instruments has raised suspicion that this may not have been Khan's first such attempt. Investigators are now looking into whether he has been involved in similar incidents across the district or beyond.
Both the accused and the recovered Honda Activa have been taken into the custody of the City Police Station, Imphal West, where the case is currently under active investigation. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as the probe continues to unfold.
The arrest comes as a reminder to vehicle owners in crowded market areas like Paona Bazar to remain vigilant about where and how they park, particularly as theft attempts in such high-footfall zones continue to pose a concern for local law enforcement.
