SHILLONG, JAN 20: 18 Bangladeshi nationals, five drivers and two Indian touts were arrested in West Jaintia Hills District on Tuesday.
District police chief Jagpal Singh Dhanao said the West Jaintia Hills police special team, assisted by the Headman and Village Defence Party (VDP) of Demthring village, conducted a successful operation in the early hours of January 20, apprehending four Bangladeshi nationals and one vehicle driven by Vishal Dkhar of Dawki at around 3am. The vehicle was chased from Lad Demthring and intercepted near Sanmala Guest House, Amlarem.
During the operation, two Indian touts, Meban Dkhar and Melari Rasmut, were also detained from Lad Demthring along with their vehicle bearing registration number ML-04D-4739.
Further investigation revealed that three additional vehicles carrying Bangladeshi nationals were en route from Jowai to Dawki.
Acting on this information, police set up a naka checking point at Amlarem market, intercepting three vehicles: ML-05AD-6424, driven by Blessing Pamthied of Jarain village, ML-04D-4993, driven by Twel Rongngi of Shkentalang village and ML-04E-0640, driven by Rimi Lyngdoh of Shkentalang village.
These vehicles were found ferrying 14 Bangladeshi nationals.
“As a result of the operation 18 Bangladeshi nationals, 2 Indian touts, and 5 drivers were apprehended and 5 vehicles were seized,” Dhanao said while informing that a case has been registered under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and all individuals involved have been taken into custody for further legal action.
The SP further reiterated the police’s commitment to safeguarding the border, urging all headmen and VDPs to assist in preventing crime and safeguarding communities.
“We earnestly request all headmen and VDPs across the district to come forward and actively assist the police in preventing crime and safeguarding our communities,” he stated.
By Our Reporter
