Manipur: Two Arrested For Selling Chemically Ripening Bananas; Whistleblower Honored

IMPHAL: In response to a Facebook post, the Imphal Police arrested two people for selling green bananas that were ripened with a possible chemical. The post on January 15 revealed the scam, and the police quickly started an investigation..

The two arrested individuals, identified as Merai Ibecha Begum (66) of Yairipok Tulihal and Md Maniruddin (40) of Yairipok Kaina Poiroukhongjil, were found selling bananas treated with an unknown chemical solution. According to police, Ibecha had been selling the bananas supplied by an unidentified woman on January 14. The woman also provided Ibecha with the chemical used to ripen the fruit. Maniruddin, hired by Ibecha, was caught in the act of dipping the bananas into the chemical solution.

The two were apprehended later the same day in Naga Nala, behind Ngari Gali, Thangal Bazar. After appearing before the SDM Imphal West, the Magistrate charged them under Section 128 of the BNSS, and they were released after following the required legal steps. The police are still looking for the woman who gave Ibecha the chemical.

Meanwhile, Preety Thangjam (33), who exposed the fraudulent practice on Facebook, has been honored by the Imphal West District Police. Thangjam recorded the act of chemically treating the bananas and brought it to public attention, prompting the authorities' swift action. Additional SP M Amit presented her with rewards and gifts at the City Police Station, where she was felicitated. Other officials, including Additional SP Rojit Irom, SDPO N Ingocha, and OC N Gokulchandra, were also present at the ceremony. Moirangthem Shantalembi (47), who accompanied Thangjam when she recorded the act, was also part of the felicitation event.

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