Jowai: West Jaintia Hills Police, in a coordinated early-morning operation on January 20, 2026, apprehended 18 Bangladeshi nationals along with two Indian touts and five drivers, and seized five vehicles in connection with illegal infiltration attempts.
The operation began around 3:00 am when a police special team, accompanied by the headman and Village Defence Parties (VDPs) of Demthring village, intercepted a vehicle bearing registration number ML-04D/7339 near Sanmala Guest House, Amlarem, after a hot pursuit from Lad Demthring. The vehicle was driven by Vishal Dkhar of Dawki and was found carrying four Bangladeshi nationals.
During the operation, two Indian touts — Meban Dkhar and his associate Melari Rasmut — were also detained from Lad Demthring along with their vehicle (ML-04D/4739). On interrogation, Meban Dkhar revealed that three more vehicles ferrying Bangladeshi nationals were en route from Jowai towards Dawki.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, police set up naka checking at Amlarem market and intercepted three vehicles around 3:45 am. The vehicles — ML-05AD/6424 driven by Blessing Pamthied of Jarain village, ML-04D/4993 driven by Twel Rongngi of Shkentalang, and ML-04E/0640 driven by Rimi Lyngdoh of Shkentalang — were found transporting 14 Bangladeshi nationals.
In total, 18 Bangladeshi nationals, two Indian touts, five drivers and five vehicles were apprehended and seized. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and all individuals involved have been taken into custody for further legal action.
West Jaintia Hills Police reiterated their firm commitment to safeguarding the international border and preventing illegal infiltration, stressing that vigilant enforcement and community cooperation remain vital for maintaining peace and security in the region.
