Shillong : Meghalaya Police dismantled a major cross-border motorcycle theft racket, arresting 17 individuals, including 10 Bangladeshi nationals, officials confirmed on Sunday. The gang stole two-wheelers from Shillong and nearby areas, then smuggled them across the India-Bangladesh border for resale.
Police spotted a scooter making a sudden U-turn during a routine vehicle check at Mawmang in East Khasi Hills on September 4. Officers chased and intercepted the vehicle. They caught the pillion rider, 24-year-old Nehlang Lamare from Barato, West Jaintia Hills. The rider, 18-year-old Klement Timung from Jowai, fled initially but was captured shortly after.
During questioning, both admitted that the scooter had been stolen from Lapalang locality in Shillong. Police registered a case at Rynjah police station and immediately launched an investigation.
The Special Cell of East Khasi Hills Police arrested three intermediaries: Peter Pohrmen (18), Vicky Dkhar (20), and Romeo Ryngksai (24), all residents of Dawki in West Jaintia Hills. The trio coordinated the handover of stolen motorcycles to Bangladeshi nationals across the border.
Based on information from these suspects, police raided multiple locations and apprehended four more individuals: Deimionjongmi Paslein (25) of Kseh, East Jaintia Hills; Barister Lamare (20) and Lastborn Lamare (21) of Barato, West Jaintia Hills; and a 15-year-old boy.
In subsequent operations, police arrested 10 Bangladeshi nationals, including a 17-year-old minor, who had planned to receive the stolen motorcycles. Officials confirmed that the Bangladeshis came from Sylhet and Habiganj districts.
Authorities described the arrests as a major victory against a “well-structured international racket” involving vehicle theft, smuggling, and cross-border buyers. Investigators continue tracing other syndicate members.
Meghalaya Police, together with the Border Security Force (BSF), have increased vigilance along key border routes. Officers stressed that intelligence-led operations and joint policing are critical to curbing transnational crimes.
This operation demonstrates Meghalaya Police’s proactive approach in tackling cross-border crime. By combining on-ground vigilance, coordinated raids, and follow-up investigations, the police have disrupted a network that exploited the porous India-Bangladesh border. Officials warned that authorities will maintain heightened monitoring to prevent similar criminal activities in the future.
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