Shillong, Meghalaya — Meghalaya Police have successfully dismantled a significant cross-border motorcycle theft syndicate, with the arrest of 17 individuals, including 10 Bangladeshi nationals, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The theft racket, operating across the international India-Bangladesh border, involved stealing motorcycles from Shillong and other areas in Meghalaya, which were then smuggled into Bangladesh for resale.
The breakthrough came in the early hours of September 4, during routine vehicle checks at Mawmang in the East Khasi Hills district. Police noticed a scooter approaching the checkpoint, but the rider made an abrupt U-turn upon spotting the naka party (roadblock). The vehicle was pursued and intercepted shortly after. The pillion rider, identified as Nehlang Lamare (24), from Barato in West Jaintia Hills, was apprehended, while the rider managed to flee the scene. However, he was later caught and identified as Klement Timung (18) from Jowai.
Upon questioning, the duo revealed that the scooter they were riding had been stolen from the Lapalang locality in Shillong. This prompted authorities to register a case at the Rynjah police station and begin a detailed investigation into the matter.
Three More Arrested in Connection with Smuggling
As the investigation progressed, the Special Cell of East Khasi Hills police arrested three more suspects: Peter Pohrmen (18), Vicky Dkhar (20), and Romeo Ryngksai (24), all residents of Dawki in West Jaintia Hills. These individuals are believed to have acted as intermediaries, arranging for the stolen motorcycles to be handed over to Bangladeshi nationals across the border.
Subsequent raids based on their confessions led to the arrest of four more individuals: Deimionjongmi Paslein (25) from Kseh in East Jaintia Hills, and Barister Lamare (20) and Lastborn Lamare (21), both from Barato in West Jaintia Hills, along with a 15-year-old minor. The minor’s involvement in the theft network has raised further concerns about the exploitation of youth in organized criminal activities.
Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested
Following further operations, the police arrested 10 Bangladeshi nationals, including a 17-year-old minor, who were allegedly the intended recipients of the stolen motorcycles. The arrested Bangladeshis, who hailed from the Sylhet and Habiganj districts, are believed to be part of a larger cross-border smuggling network dealing in stolen vehicles.
Police Expose International Smuggling Network
According to officials, the arrests have exposed a “well-structured international racket” involving stolen vehicles, smuggling networks, and buyers from Bangladesh. The operation was marked by cross-border collaboration and extensive intelligence work, which led to the swift interception of the criminals.
Police have also emphasized the growing challenges posed by such transnational crimes, which often exploit the porous India-Bangladesh border. Authorities said that heightened vigilance along key border routes is now in place to prevent further exploitation by these criminal syndicates.
Ongoing Investigations
Meghalaya Police continue to investigate the case further, and more arrests are expected as they trace additional individuals connected to the syndicate. Authorities are also working to verify the involvement of other local criminals and possible connections to larger smuggling networks operating across the region.
The success of this operation underscores the ongoing efforts of Meghalaya Police and other law enforcement agencies to curb cross-border crimes and ensure the safety of the region’s communities.
With more details expected to emerge in the coming days, the authorities have assured the public of continued vigilance and efforts to tackle organized crime in Meghalaya and along the India-Bangladesh border.
