Manipur Vehicle Lifter Busted in Thoubal
Short Summary of the News
Manipur police commandos in Thoubal district have arrested a 32-year-old suspected vehicle lifter, identified as Aribam Momo alias Ithem, while he was attempting to steal a scooter in Babu Bazar. A stolen matte green Honda Activa, along with a specialized anti-lock jack used to bypass self-starter systems, was seized. Police believe he had been targeting two-wheelers in public areas across Thoubal and Kakching districts, hiding them before selling them elsewhere
Introduction
Hey there, reader! Let’s pull over and dive deep into what happened recently in Manipur. It’s not just another headline—it’s a wakeup call on how we can protect our two-wheelers. This story is packed with twists, lessons, and even a rescue mission. Ready to hit the road with me?
What Went Down in Thoubal
- Who got caught? The arrest was of no small-time crook—it’s Aribam Momo alias Ithem, a 32-year-old from Sangaiyumpham Puleipokpi, Thoubal.
- When & where? Thursday, June 26, 2025—at Babu Bazar, Thoubal district, at the exact moment he tried to snatch another scooter
- How did they nab him? Thoubal police commandos, backed by a tip-off and local vigilance, swooped in red-handed .
What They Recovered
- A Honda Activa 6G in matte marshal green—confirmed to be stolen earlier from Thoubal Haokha
- An anti-lock jack—a crafty toolkit to override electronic self-starters and bypass security
Modus Operandi & Pattern
- He chose public spaces—markets, malls, roadside—and struck when owners let their guard down.
- His strategy? Hit-and-hide: snatch the scooter, stash it somewhere safe, then sell it in another district
This Isn’t His First Rodeo
- Local police confirm Ithem had been at this game for months, especially in Thoubal and Kakching.
- Vehicle theft is far from rare—since April 16, units recovered 170 stolen vehicles, including cars and bikes, in Thoubal
Why the Anti-Vehicle Unit Matters
- Thoubal police now have a specialized anti-vehicle lifting squad for a reason: scooping up these offenders on the spot is more effective than chasing leads later.
- The public played a vital role—local eyes and ears tipped off the commandos in time.
Impact on the Community
- Quick sheriff justice = lowering vehicle theft and raising public trust.
- When criminals expect to get caught, they think twice.
- Stronger policing means a safer Imphal Valley—especially around Thoubal & Kakching.
Security Lessons for Vehicle Owners
- Think twice before parking in a remote, poorly lit spot.
- Always lock your scooty—ignoring anti-theft tools is a big mistake.
- Watch your dashboard lights—electronic ignition systems can help you catch tampering early.
- Set up CCTV or use a parking buddy system.
- Be vigilant—report suspicious behavior to authorities immediately.
Wider Context: Manipur Under Pressure
- Last month, police in Thoubal, Imphal, and other districts nabbed 12 militants and recovered 151 cars + 30 bikes since mid-April
- Security forces are boosting highway patrols (NH‑2, NH‑37), helping normal citizens breathe easier—and safer
The Ripple Effect of a Single Arrest
- Hits a key node in a theft ring—criminals lose access to stolen goods and networks.
- Sends a message: “We’re watching you.”
- Builds confidence in law enforcement’s dedication to public safety.
Ever Wondered How They Worked It Out? A Detective Analogy
Think of their efforts like detective work on two wheels:
- Clue: stolen scooter reported
- Stakeout: tip about Ithem’s target
- Surveillance: commandos on scene
- Trap: catch in action
- Exhibit: scooter + strange jack
- Wrap-up: arrest + interrogation + evidence trail
Now that’s how you turn a scoop into a case closed.
Safety Takeaways for You
- Install proper locks and alarms—don’t go cheap.
- Avoid temptation by consciously choosing safer parking spots.
- Paint your wings—customize your vehicle for quick identification.
- Document and insure—proper registration, photos, and coverage help in recovery.
- Stay alert—community watch anywhere, anytime makes a difference.
What Lies Ahead
- The Thoubal unit is upping patrols and planning more sting ops.
- Tracking where stolen vehicles are sold—framing the bigger picture.
- Rolling out awareness campaigns: if you know better, you park better.
Bottom Line
Ithem’s arrest is more than a one-scene bust; it’s a symbol of coordinated effort: involved citizens, decisive policing, and targeted enforcement. The result? Stronger vehicle security in Thoubal—and lessons we all can use.
Five Unique FAQs
1. How did police catch him in the act?
They received a public tip, set up a surveillance, and nabbed him live as he tried to steal another scooter
2. What is an anti-lock jack?
It’s a specialized tool used to disable electronic starter systems on scooters—basically a key to bypass built-in ignition locks
3. Why target places like malls and bazaars?
High traffic, distracted owners—ideal conditions to snatch a two-wheeler in seconds.
4. How widespread are such thefts?
Between April 16 and late June, at least 170 stolen vehicles were recovered in Thoubal and nearby districts .
5. What can the public do?
Be the eyes—report shady activities, help secure public parking, and support local anti-theft drives.