In a significant breakthrough, Nagaland Police arrested five individuals in connection with the murder of New Market GB Abdul Kayum Talukdar, who was fatally shot by unidentified assailants on June 7.
Addressing the media at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on Thursday Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma said that substantial leads had been obtained in the case by the police, which were being actively pursued. He however refused to divulge any further information, citing that the investigation was underway.
Asked on the recent arrest of alleged drug kingpin Bahar Uddin, he termed it as a significant victory for the police. He said that Uddin was wanted in at least five to six cases not only in Nagaland but in other North Eastern states. He said though Uddin was considered a major figure in drug trafficking, he was not the highest-ranking individual in the network, indicating that there were other senior people in the drug trade.
Further, Sharma announced that Nagaland Police was all set to adopt a slightly different approach in its system of policing to enhance effectiveness and address rising crime and drug-related issues.
He said the people would witness police checks in around 150 to 200 locations across the state simultaneously, with the idea to have an element of surprise for criminals. Acknowledging that the public could face inconvenience as their vehicles could be checked at separate locations, he appealed everyone to cooperate.
He pointed out that these measures would be undertaken with the aim to bolstering law enforcement and ensuring greater safety and security of the community.
He assured that a solid system was in place for the police to detect movement of drugs, but admitted that public cooperation remained the key.
Disclosing that the police would award Rs 1,000 per soap case to any individual whose information led to arrest and seizure of drugs, he said the chief minister and deputy chief minister had approved Rs 25 lakh as a recurring fund, designated for rewarding individuals who provided information leading to the arrest of drug dealers and recovery of drugs.
He revealed that the authorities were also developing additional protocols for tenant verification and hotel checks as part of a strategy to monitor and control drug activities. To further extend the net of surveillance, Sharma invited company owners leasing out vehicles for a formal discussions to establish a system for preventing misuse of rented vehicles for drug trafficking purposes.
Regarding the menace of traffic in the state, especially in Dimapur, commissioner of police, Dimapur, K Sophie remarked that towing of vehicles parked in “No Parking” zones was a daily affair in the state’s commercial hub, adding that the traffic police had also started seizing unregistered vehicle.