NIA files chargesheet against 5 persons in connection with NSCN-IM extortion racket

The premier investigating agency filed the charge sheet in connection with the case RC-02/2020/NIA-GUW arising out of FIR No.0074/ 2020 dated 05.07.2020 of Diphupar Police Station, Dimapur, Nagaland.

The chargesheeted accused persons are SS Col. (NSCN-IM) Rayilung Nsarangbe alias Pela alias Pela NsaZeme, SS Pvt (NSCN-IM) Lamcilralu alias Keyilamcilunglralu alias Lamci alias Lamcilung, Zingshongam Muinao alias Zingsho, Ruth  Chawang alias Ruth Zeliang and Ramningle Pame alias Ramning.

The case is related to the recovery of Rs 1,58,72,800 along with illegal arms, ammunition, explosives, and incriminating documents, from the residential premises of SS Col. Rayilung Nsarangbe of NSCN (IM) and his wife Ruth Chawang.

According to the press release issued by NIA, the investigation of the case has revealed a well organized extortion racket by NSCN (IM) involving criminal intimidation of various companies undertaking road construction projects in Manipur.

"The developmental funds of the Government have been illegally diverted in an organised manner and collected by NSCN (IM) operatives through extortion by committing a terrorist act punishable under UA(P) Act," said in the NIA press release.

Investigation has further revealed that NSCN (IM) has also laundered the proceeds of terrorism into various financial instruments and real estate investments in the process of layering of the extorted fund.

Accused Ramningle Pame is an elected member of Autonomous Council of District Tamenglong, Manipur and has been assisting NSCN (IM) in collection of the extortion amount demanded by them.