SHILLONG, MAR 13: Meghalaya police have arrested six people, including two alleged kingpins from Haryana, over three ATM robberies that netted nearly Rs 1 crore.
Addressing media persons on Friday, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said a special cell traced Salim (36) and Rahul (31) to Nuh district and picked them up on March 10, local facilitators John Fishal Lyngkhoi and Joyous Dura were held in Shillong.
The six accused were involved in looting Rs 28.13 lakh from an ATM at Mawkriah on May 21, 2025, Rs 35.57 lakh at Smit on December 30, 2025 and Rs 35 lakh at Mylliem on February 8, 2026.
The accused persons had executed the loot with military‑precision timing, taking “roughly about 7 minutes” per job.
“We have actually never seen such professional people looting ATMs so fast,” Syiem remarked.
After registering three cases – two in Mawngap and one in Madanrting, a seven‑member team flew to Haryana on Febraury 27.
Working with the CIA there, officers arrested out‑of‑state suspects Salim (36) and Rahul (31) on March 10, then picked up Shillong facilitators John F. Lyngkhoi (32) and Joyous Dora (47).
“These people…are wanted…in many such ATM cases in the country,” Syiem said while informing that the courts granted five‑day remand for Salim and Rahul, six days for the locals.
The hunt for ATM‑cutting gangs claimed two additional arrests in Assam
“On March 12 another team headed by DSP (Crime) left for Assam. Officers picked up Rijol Garim (38) from Jakhla, Bongaigaon district, and, “last night,” Lius Ali (28) from Boragaon under Gorchuk police station,” the SP said adding “We found incriminating evidences against these people.”
Syiem stressed the probe is far from closed.
“Investigation is still on to arrest some of the culprits who are absconding.”
He vowed the district police will “endeavour…to get all those culprits as soon as possible.”
“As and when we interrogate, we will get to know more people,” Syiem said.
Asked, the SP revealed that two accused arrested from Shillong have acted as local guides and have lengthy criminal histories.
“These people are local facilitators,” Syiem said while explaining that Assam contacts hired Haryana specialists and relied on the Shillong pair to “reggie the place and identified the ATMs to be looted.”
He added the local men are linked to “drug trafficking to murder to other forms of criminal activities” and “have history of crimes.”
Crediting a team effort, he noted SPs and DSPs in operations and city sections “piece the evidence together” to “get the bigger picture.”
When asked whether one accused is related to a politician, he replied, “I am not in the know. As to who they are related to that is not part of the term of reference of the investigation.”
It may be mentioned here that a crowd of roughly 30 people tried to free ATM‑theft accused Rahul during a Haryana escort on March 10, forcing officers to fire warning shots.
Syiem said Rahul had been produced in Nuh district court and was being returned to Nuh city when the group accosted the team at Sikrawa, even attempting to snatch a weapon.
“They had to resort to blank shots…one bullet ricochet hit a person and that person is recovering,” Syiem said.
Haryana police have registered a case and identified 12 assailants.
The SP added investigators have found no involvement of bank employees in the Meghalaya ATM robberies.
By Our Reporter
