Impersonators Posing as Transport Officials Arrested in Imphal East for Extortion

File Photo: Manipur Police 

In a swift operation on Friday, October 17, 2025, Manipur Police apprehended two individuals for allegedly impersonating officials of the Motor Vehicles Transport department and extorting money from vehicle operators. The arrests were made at Khurai Ahongei Irabot Leirak, an area under the jurisdiction of Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district.

The case has drawn significant attention due to a startling revelation: one of the accused is reportedly on the waiting list for a position as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) within the very department he was pretending to represent.

According to police sources, the two men were caught while demanding money from "Lagao players," a local term often referring to the drivers and operators of commercial transport vehicles. Acting on a tip-off, a team from Porompat Police Station intervened and took the suspects into custody.

The arrested individuals have been identified as:
 * Md. Anish Iqbal (30), a resident of New Lambulane River Bank, Imphal East district.
 * Md. Amir Rahaman, a resident of Hatta Mana Ingkhol, Imphal East district.
The duo allegedly used their fake identities to intimidate drivers, threatening them with fines and other penalties to coerce them into paying money. This modus operandi preys on the vulnerability of commercial drivers who often work under tight schedules and may be anxious to avoid official entanglements.

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During the preliminary investigation, a crucial detail about one of the accused came to light. It was discovered that Md. Anish Iqbal is currently on the official waiting list for recruitment as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in the Motor Vehicles Transport department of Manipur.
This revelation has added a disturbing layer to the crime. For an individual aspiring to join a law enforcement and regulatory body to be involved in impersonating its officials for criminal gain raises serious questions about the vetting process and the integrity of candidates. His alleged actions represent a profound breach of trust even before officially entering public service. The police are now investigating whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger, more organized extortion racket.

Following their arrest, both Md. Anish Iqbal and Md. Amir Rahaman were produced before the court and have been remanded into police custody. This will allow investigators sufficient time to conduct a thorough interrogation and gather more evidence.
Authorities are expected to investigate several angles, including how long the duo had been operating, how many drivers they had targeted, and whether they had any accomplices. They will also likely verify the authenticity of any documents or identification the accused may have used to carry out their deception.

The incident serves as a stark reminder for the public, especially commercial vehicle operators, to remain vigilant. Citizens are advised to always ask for official identification when approached by individuals claiming to be government officials and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station immediately. The Manipur Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on such fraudulent activities that tarnish the image of government departments and exploit hardworking citizens.