Shillong, April 29: Meghalaya Police have busted a major ATM theft case in Ri-Bhoi district, arresting six members of an organised inter-state gang involved in multiple ATM break-ins across the region and beyond.
According to an official press release from the Superintendent of Police, Ri-Bhoi, the case pertains to a theft at an ATM of Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd at Bhoirymbong on April 5. Following the incident, a case was registered at Umiam Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
With limited initial leads and the suspected involvement of inter-state criminals, a special investigation team was constituted by Superintendent of Police, Ri-Bhoi under the supervision of Addl. Superintendent of Police (Crime), Ri-Bhoi and other Police officers of the district under the close supervision of the DIG (Eastern Range), Shillong.
In a coordinated operation involving Meghalaya Police along with Assam and Haryana Police, authorities successfully dismantled the gang. Investigations revealed that the group specialised in uprooting ATM machines and breaking open safes using gas cutters, often targeting remote locations with minimal security to carry out swift cash thefts.
Police said the gang is linked to several ATM theft cases not only in Ri-Bhoi but also in East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and North Garo Hills.
Officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network and identify additional links and accomplices involved in similar crimes.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as further probes continue.
