SHILLONG: As many as 18 Bangladeshi nationals, five drivers and two Indian touts were arrested in West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya today, according to police.
West Jaintia Hills district police chief, Jagpal Singh Dhanao said the West Jaintia Hills police special team, assisted by the headman and Village Defence Party (VDP) of Demthring village, conducted a successful operation in the early hours of January 20, apprehending four Bangladeshi nationals and one vehicle driven by Vishal Dkhar of Dawki at around 3 am. The vehicle was chased from Lad Demthring and intercepted near Sanmala Guest House, Amlarem, the police officer stated.
During the operation, two Indian touts, Meban Dkhar and Melari Rasmut, were also detained from Lad Demthring along with their vehicle, he stated.
Further investigation revealed that three additional vehicles carrying Bangladeshi nationals were en route from Jowai to Dawki, he added.
Acting on this information, police set up a naka checking point at Amlarem market, and intercepted three vehicles driven by Blessing Pamthied of Jarain village, Twel Rongngi of Shkentalang village and Rimi Lyngdoh of Shkentalang village.
These vehicles were found ferrying 14 Bangladeshi nationals, the police officer further disclosed.
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“As a result of the operation, 18 Bangladeshi nationals, two Indian touts and five drivers were apprehended and five vehicles were seized,” Dhanao said, adding that a case has been registered under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and all individuals involved have been taken into custody for further legal action.
The police further reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the border, urging all headmen and VDPs to assist in preventing crime and protecting communities.
“We earnestly request all headmen and VDPs across the district to come forward and actively assist the police in preventing crime and safeguarding our communities,” he stated.