Nongpoh, Apr 29: Police have cracked a large organised criminal network of ATM thieves operating across multiple states after six members of one such gang were arrested following a theft in Bhoirymbong on April 5.
The break-in and theft at an ATM of the Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank led to the loss of Rs 7.77 lakh in cash.
Following the incident, a case was registered at Umiam Police Station. Initially, investigators had very few leads but a special investigation team (SIT) was formed given the seriousness of the crime and suspicions of inter-state involvement. The team was led by the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), Ri-Bhoi, and functioned under the close supervision of the Deputy Inspector General (Eastern Range).
In a coordinated effort involving police from Meghalaya, Assam and Haryana, authorities successfully dismantled a highly organised gang linked to multiple ATM theft cases across the country. The gang is believed to be connected to several incidents in Meghalaya, including Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills and North Garo Hills.
So far, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. According to police, the gang employed a specialised method of uprooting ATM machines and using gas cutters to break open the safes, enabling them to escape with cash within minutes. Their operations primarily targeted remote areas with minimal security presence.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and identify additional links and accomplices.
