Security forces have arrested a fifth Bangladeshi national accused of taking part in a violent midnight raid on Rongdangai village in Meghalaya’s South West Khasi Hills district. The arrest was made late Saturday during a coordinated search by the Meghalaya Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in the dense Chibak forest area, officials confirmed on Sunday. The suspect is believed to be part of an armed gang of eight to nine men who illegally crossed the international border around midnight on August 7. The group allegedly stormed a local shop, assaulted the shopkeeper, and fled with cash and valuables before heading back towards Bangladesh.
Alert residents, aided by nearby security personnel, pursued the fleeing men immediately after the attack. Four suspects were overpowered and detained on the spot, police said.Superintendent of Police B. Jyrwa told reporters that the latest arrest was the result of “continuous combing operations” in the area. “Our teams, in collaboration with the BSF, worked through the night to track and detain the fifth accused,” Jyrwa said.Search teams recovered a Bangladesh Police identity card, three medical prescriptions, wireless handsets, an axe, a barbed-wire cutter, a small knife, and three micro-explosives. Currency in both Bangladeshi taka and Indian rupees was also seized.
Investigations have revealed that the gang leader — identified as a serving constable in the Bangladesh Police — suffered injuries during a confrontation with villagers and BSF personnel. He is currently receiving medical treatment under police custody.Police said fencing work is in progress along the South West Khasi Hills sector of the Indo-Bangladesh border to deter similar cross-border crimes. Security forces are continuing the manhunt for the remaining suspects, who are believed to have fled back across the border.