Shillong, April 25: Police in West Jaintia Hills district have dismantled a suspected vehicle theft network involving minors and recovered two stolen scooters from a location near the Bangladesh border, officials said on April 24.
The operation began after a complaint was lodged regarding the theft of a scooty from Ialong Civil Hospital in Jowai. During the investigation, officers analysed CCTV footage, which led to the identification of a suspect vehicle. Police then intensified patrolling in the area, intercepting the vehicle and detaining five occupants, including four minors.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police Crescency W Lyngdoh, one of the minors revealed during questioning that the stolen scooty had been taken to Pdengshakap village. Acting on this input, a police team reached the village, located a few kilometres from the international border, and recovered the vehicle following due legal procedures.
In a separate but related case, police received another complaint from a resident of Nongmensong in Shillong regarding the theft of a two-wheeler earlier the same day. This vehicle was also traced to Pdengshakap village and recovered. Both vehicles have since been moved to the Phramer Traffic Cell for further legal action.
Officials said the involvement of minors and the recovery of the vehicles from a border-adjacent area have raised concerns about a possible cross-border network involved in the theft and movement of two-wheelers. Investigations are ongoing to determine any wider links.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant, secure their vehicles adequately and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through emergency services.
