SHILLONG: In a major breakthrough, the East Khasi Hills Police have busted a highly organised interstate gang involved in a series of daring ATM robberies across the district. Six suspects, including alleged masterminds from Haryana and local facilitators, have been arrested following a multi-state investigation.
Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, said the gang used highly sophisticated methods to break into ATMs, with the ability to cut open and empty a machine in as little as seven minutes.
According to police, the gang was involved in three major ATM heists across East Khasi Hills district, stealing nearly ₹1 crore in total. The incidents include:
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Mawkriah (May 2025): ₹28,13,100 stolen
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Smit (December 2025): ₹35,57,000 stolen
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Mylliem (February 2026): ₹35,00,000 stolen
Arrests in Haryana
The investigation led police to Nuh district in Haryana, where a team from Meghalaya Police, led by DSP Simseng Sangma, coordinated with Haryana’s Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) to arrest two suspected key members of the gang — Salim (26) and Rahul (31).
However, the operation turned tense when a mob of around 30 people allegedly attacked the police team at Sikrawa village while Rahul was being transported to court. The mob reportedly attempted to free the accused and snatch the weapons of the officers.
Police fired warning shots in the air and towards the ground to disperse the crowd and regain control of the situation. During the incident, one person was reportedly injured by a ricocheted bullet. Haryana authorities have since identified 12 individuals allegedly involved in the attack.
Local Facilitators Arrested
The investigation also uncovered the involvement of local accomplices who allegedly helped the gang identify target locations in Meghalaya.
Police arrested John Fishal Lyngkhoi (32) from Umpling and Joyous Dura (47) from Mawlai Nongkwar. Authorities revealed that Dura is a former member of the Special Operations Team (SOT).
According to police, both individuals have previous criminal records linked to serious offences including drug trafficking and murder.
Meanwhile, two more suspects — Rejaul Korim and Lius Ali — were intercepted and arrested in Assam by a police team led by DSP Bipul Das.
Investigation Continues
SP Vivek Syiem stated that the case highlights how interstate criminal gangs often rely on local collaborators to carry out crimes.
Police said further investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely as authorities continue to dismantle the network behind the ATM robberies.
