Shillong, Jan 20: In a major success against illegal infiltration, police arrested 18 Bangladeshi nationals besides five drivers and two Indian touts at Amlarem in West Jaintia Hills district on Tuesday.
Initially, four Bangladeshi nationals coming in a vehicle driven by one Vishal Dkhar of Dawki were intercepted around 3 am on Tuesday.
The vehicle was chased from Lad Demthring and finally intercepted near Sanmala Guest House, Amlarem.
The police team was assisted by headman and Village Defence Party (VDP) of Demthring, West Jaintia Hills district superintendent of police Jagpal Singh Dhanao said.
During the operation, two Indian touts, Meban Dkhar and Melari Rasmut, were also detained from Lad Demthring along with their vehicle (ML-04D-4739).
Further investigation revealed that three additional vehicles carrying Bangladeshi nationals were en route from Jowai to Dawki.
Acting on this information, police set up a check post at Amlarem market, intercepting three vehicles: ML-05AD-6424 driven by Blessing Pamthied of Jarain, ML-04D-4993 driven by Twel Rongngi of Shkentalang and ML-04E-0640 driven by Rimi Lyngdoh of Shkentalang.
These vehicles were found ferrying 14 Bangladeshi nationals.
“As a result of the operation, 18 Bangladeshi nationals, 2 Indian touts, and 5 drivers were apprehended and 5 vehicles were seized,” the SP said.
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 SP reiterated the police’s commitment to safeguarding the border, urging all headmen and VDPs to assist in preventing crime and safeguarding 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.
