Imphal, Apr 1 (IANS): Even as five persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of 56 9mm pistols and 58 magazines from a Manipur Rifles camp, authorities have suspended four police officers including one from the IPS.

Personnel Department authorities issued the order pm Saturday night to suspend Kamjong Superintendent of Police H. Golmin, who belongs to the Indian Police Service, and Manipur Police Service officers K. Ajit, H. Basulal and Bikramjit.

The suspended officers cannot leave their stations without permission from the government.

It is not yet known when the firearms and ammunition went missing. An FIR has been lodged.

Police said five persons have been arrested in the case and two pistols seized from them.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who also holds the Home portfolio, said one pistol was seized from an unauthorised person while the origin of the second pistol is yet to be established since its serial number had been tampered with.

On Saturday, Biren Singh said the National Investigation Agency had been asked to probe the case.

The missing pistols are part of the 575 pistols bought by the government in October 2014.