Manipur cops caught planting drug, five suspended

Imphal, April 11: Five state police personnel belonging to the Imphal East Drug Cell have been placed under suspension for allegedly trying to dupe a Paona Bazar trader to paying Rs 60,000 on false charges of seizing heroine from the latter?s shop today. SP Imphal East Police Karnajit disclosed that the personnel include one ASI and four constables. The suspension order was issued this evening, a police source said. The source said the matter came to light when the police met bazaar traders as part of their routine meeting in the evening. When the matter was investigated, it was found out that the personnel had issued no seizure memo to the trader. The five personnel when summoned confessed to the charges and taking Rs 60,000 from the trader identified as Ashok Kshetri, who runs a shop at Pratap Talkies Lane, it said. Another source said the personnel came in a numberless white Maruti Gypsy and after entering the shop ?planted? the drug inside a soyabean bag. They later brought out the heroine package and arrested Kshteri and his son on false charges of possessing the drug. The source further said the team took Rs 60,000 from the shop owner and released the duo after issuing threats. A police official, however, contradicted the story saying the drug was found inside the shop. It was found wrapped in a newspaper and concealed in a soyabean bag. The arrested personnel have been kept at the custody of Imphal East police. DGP AA Siddiqui confirmed the suspension and said the amount has been returned to the trader.