Meghalaya Police have arrested three men from Assam in connection with a major theft racket operating across the Garo Hills and Mankachar region. Authorities also recovered a significant cache of stolen goods, marking a key breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
The first arrest took place on August 29, when 43-year-old Iftakul Islam was caught during a raid in Mankachar. Police seized copper wires, batteries, an abrasive cutting machine linked to theft cases in Ampati, and a pickup truck believed to have been used to transport stolen items. Following interrogation, two more suspects—23-year-old Amirul Islam and 26-year-old Shahidul Islam—were apprehended from the same area. Investigators revealed that all three are part of a larger organised gang involved in stealing from both government and private properties. Efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen items and locate other gang members.
Officials said the arrests signal a major step in curbing organised theft in Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district, which has been plagued by repeated incidents. “The operation highlights our commitment to law enforcement and ensuring the safety of property across the region,” a police spokesperson said.