Shillong: The Ri Bhoi Police have arrested four robbers involved in extorting money from goods vehicles, particularly those carrying chickens and fish, on NH-6. The arrests took place around 8:15 AM this morning in Pahamsyiem, Nongpoh.
The suspects have been identified as Ricky Tangsang (26) of Sajer Nongpoh, Mustafa Lyngdoh (23) from Umlyngkdait, Shem Warjri (27) from Umsning Proper A and Kyrshanbor Marwein (22) of Mawroh, Nongpoh.
Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, stated that complaints had been coming in from truck drivers over the past two to three months, reporting robberies along NH-6. The robbers would steal money, mobile phones, and valuables, while threatening the drivers.
The group targeted goods vehicles on narrow sections of NH-6, primarily at night. In response, the district police initiated patrols and a detailed investigation into the robberies.
On the night of September 10, police received a tip-off about a robbery involving a Bolero pickup carrying fish in the Shangbangla area. The robbers reportedly assaulted the driver and his assistant, stole their mobile phones, and fled.
Acting swiftly, police tracked down and seized a Maruti Alto in Pahamsyiem, arresting two of the suspects, Ricky Tangsang and Mustafa Lyngdoh. Though Mustafa initially escaped, he was later apprehended with the assistance of a special police team and CRPF.
Further interrogation led to the identification and arrest of the other two suspects involved in the robbery. Police also seized two vehicles used in the crimes, including a Maruti Alto (AS01-FN-4202) and a Baleno without a license plate.
A case has been registered against the suspects at Nongpoh Police Station under multiple provisions of the BNS Act.
