Imphal, Manipur, February 13 (HBTV): The Manipur police are conducting raids and trying to bust fake SIM card rackets operating in Imphal. According to sources, fake SIM cards are being used by anti-social elements and militant outfits to make threats. Police also suspect that fake SIM cards are used by underground elements to make extortion related calls.

A Manipur Police Control Room statement said, “An FIR case was registered at Porompat Police Station for selling activated SIM cards on fake identity papers/by impersonating someone else. Such SIM cards are used by anti-social and underground elements for purpose of extortion and intimidation of general public.”

‘During the investigation of a recent criminal case, this facet came to light wherein the subscriber, on whose name the SIM card was issued, was not aware of it and the SIM card was being used by cadres of an underground outfit for anti-social purpose.’

The police said raids were conducted and such raids will continue. However, there was no mention of any arrests being made.

The Police Control Room advised the public and mobile service providers to ensure that ‘proper periodic verification at all levels is done, failing which strict legal action will follow.’