Five people have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a residence in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district, where seven armed men allegedly looted cash, gold ornaments and mobile phones worth around Rs 10 lakh after assaulting a family, including a child.
The incident occurred between 7 pm and 8.30 pm on October 30 at Simolbari. The accused allegedly broke into Omnath Dhanuk’s house, threatened the occupants with firearms and daos, assaulted them and fled with the valuables.
Namsai Police registered a case (No. 87/2026) on October 31 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Arms Act, 1959. The investigation revealed that the robbery was allegedly planned over a personal dispute, with the accused conducting reconnaissance of the house and identifying escape routes beforehand.
The arrested persons were identified as Latul Boruah (43) and Dinesh Gogoi (41), both from Namsai; Mineswar Dihingia (44) of Bhogamur; Chow Kyapeng Manlong (30) of Nongtow Khamti; and Sophio Mepo alias Kaloso Mepo (43) of Mepo (New Danglat) in Lohit district.
Police seized a Turkey-made 7.65 mm pistol, a magazine containing two live rounds, a suspected gold mangalsutra believed to be part of the stolen jewellery, two mobile phones and two motorcycles. One of the motorcycles was allegedly used in the robbery. The recovery of the firearm and ammunition prompted police to invoke additional provisions of the Arms Act.
Police said some of the accused had criminal antecedents. Mineswar Dihingia and Sophio Mepo were identified as former NSCN cadres with previous cases involving serious offences. Chow Kyapeng Manlong was also linked to cases involving attempted murder, extortion, the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Dinesh Gogoi had previously been arrested in an NDPS case.
Police suspect the involvement of other associates and are pursuing further leads to identify and arrest the remaining suspects. Efforts are also underway to recover the remaining stolen cash and valuables. The investigation is continuing.
