Shillong, Jan 20: Eighteen illegal Bangladeshi migrants and seven Indian facilitators were arrested by police today in West Jaintia Hills.
The multi-stage operation began at 3am when a special team of WJH police, accompanied by the headman and Village Defence Party members of Demthring, apprehended four Bangladeshi migrants while they were travelling in a car (ML 04D 7339) being driven by Vishal Dkhar of Dawki.
The vehicle tried to flee but the police gave chase and intercepted it in Amlarem.
During the operation, two Indian touts – Meban Dkhar and his associate Melari Rasmut – were also detained from Lad Demthring along with their vehicle (ML 04D 4739).
Upon inquiry, Meban Dkhar revealed that three more vehicles carrying Bangladeshi nationals were enroute from Jowai towards Dawki. Acting swiftly on this information police set up a checkpoint in the Amlarem market area.
At around 3:45am, three vehicles were intercepted. One (ML 05AD 6424) was driven by Blessing Pamthied of Jarain, one (ML 04D 4993) by Twel Rongngi of Shkentalang and another (ML 04E 0640) by Rimi Lyngdoh of Shkentalang. Fourteen Bangladeshis were being transported in these vehicles.
A case has been registered in connection with the incident and all individuals involved have been taken into custody for further legal action under the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025.
It was not revealed by police whether the Bangladeshis were intending on staying in Meghalaya or, as is more likely the case, using it to transit to other parts of India.
