SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills Police on Monday produced six individuals before a court in connection with a series of ATM theft cases reported across the district over the past several months.
According to police officials, multiple ATM break-ins had been reported, prompting an intensive investigation to identify and apprehend those involved. One of the earliest incidents occurred on May 21, 2025, at Mawkriah, where unidentified miscreants broke open an ATM and decamped with approximately ₹28.13 lakh.
A second case was reported on December 30, 2025, at Smit, where ₹35.57 lakh was stolen, followed by another theft on February 8, 2026, at Mylliem, involving around ₹35 lakh.
Cases were registered at Mawngap and Madanrting Police Stations under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Operations) Simseng Sangma, was constituted to probe the incidents.
ALSO READ: Shillong Police Bust Interstate ATM Robbery Gang, Six Arrested After Multi-State Manhunt
As part of the investigation, the police team travelled to Nuh district in Haryana on February 27, 2026. In coordination with the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) of Nuh, two accused — Salim (26) from Dorakhi, Mewat, and Rahul (31) from Bazidpur — were arrested from Nuh town and Pingwan on March 9 and 10.
Subsequently, two local suspects — John Fishal Lyngkhoi (32) from Umpling and Joyous Dura (47) from Mawlai Nongkwar — were also taken into custody.
On March 12, police arrested two more accused during an operation led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime) Bipul Das. The arrested individuals were identified as Rejaul Korim (38) from Chakla under Abhayapuri Police Station in Assam’s Bongaigaon district, and Lius Ali (28) from Boragaon, Seujinagar under Gorchuk Police Station.
Police have recovered tools and equipment allegedly used to break open ATMs. Investigations are ongoing to trace and apprehend other members of the gang who remain absconding.
All six accused were produced before the court on Monday and have been remanded to four days of police custody for further interrogation.
