Police arrest five, including juvenile, linked to GNLA-R extortion case in South West Khasi Hills

Shillong: The South West Khasi Hills Police have arrested five individuals, including a juvenile, for their alleged involvement in extortion attempts carried out in the name of the Garo National Liberation Army–Regroup (GNLA-R).

According to police reports, on October 28, officers at the Nonghyllam Police Station received a complaint from a man who alleged that he had received a demand letter from the GNLA-R, accompanied by threatening phone calls from an unknown number.

Following the complaint, a case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 308(2), 351(4), 3(5), and 113(3)(5) and an intensive investigation was launched to identify and apprehend the culprits.

Acting on credible intelligence, police teams from the Ranikor Circle, along with the Special Cell from Mawkyrwat, conducted a coordinated operation and arrested one suspect, identified as Mann R. Marak (25) of Upper Rajapara, South West Khasi Hills.

Based on information obtained during his interrogation, police subsequently apprehended four more individuals, including one minor. The other arrested persons have been identified as Marson R. Marak (18) of Upper Rajapara, Tartus N. Marak (20) of Mulapat and Babulin D. Sangma (27) of Upper Rajapara all residents of South West Khasi Hills district.

Police have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the group’s network, their possible affiliation with the GNLA-R outfit, and their involvement in other extortion-related activities in the region.

Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those involved in threatening or intimidating the public under the guise of militant organizations.