Meghalaya Police on Sunday detained five persons suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals during a routine check at the ISBT junction in Mawlai Mawiong, Shillong. The operation was carried out by Mawlai Police in coordination with the Special Operations Team (SOT).
The detainees have been identified as Md. Fajid Bilul (47), Lelepa Begum (40), Musamat Jahana Khatoon (35), Md. Alamgir Mia (25), and Md. Imammul Hassan (18). The group, which included two women, was reportedly travelling from Srinagar and is believed to have been attempting to cross into Bangladesh through Meghalaya.
Acting on a tip-off, the police intercepted a tourist taxi bearing registration number ML05 S 1358 at the junction. Upon questioning, the passengers failed to produce valid passports or travel documents.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that all five suspects were taken into custody and a case has been registered at the Mawlai Police Station. “We are verifying their identities and investigating their route and possible local connections,” Syiem said.