Shillong, May 12: Meghalaya police have foiled a bid by suspected HNLC group to trigger a second blast with seizure of several components of an improvised explosive device, including explosive gelatin sticks from a vehicle and arrest of four men in Ri-Bhoi district.
Police say the intention of the group was to trigger the second blast in Nongpoh town of Ri Bhoi district.
The seizure and arrests occured on Monday night following a special operation jointly conducted by the East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi police.
According to Ri Bhoi District Superintendent of Police (SP) Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, a Bolero Pick-up vehicle bearing registration number ML- 12-3243 and driven by one Damanbha Ripnar was detained at Umsning-Mawhati Road around 6 PM.
The SP informed that on the voluntary leading of the accused Ripnar, one IED was recovered from the vehicle by Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad (BDDS) from Shillong after observing all the safety protocols.
Police further informed that they seized 15 Gelatin Sticks, 167 splinters (shrapnel inside the IED), 1 safety fuse wire, 3 numbers of Non electric Detonators and 5 Mobile Phones.
“Till filing of this report one active sleeper cell of HNLC consisting of 4 accused persons has been busted thereby foiling their attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town. It is to be mentioned that this sleeper cell was taking directions from Bangladesh based proscribed HNLC fugitives,” informed Dhanoa.
The four arrested suspects are Damanbha Ripnar alias Shall Lapang, Robinis Ripnar, Jill Tarang and Shining Nongrum, all hailing from Ri-Bhoi District itself.
Cases under UAPA and Explosive Substance Act under Nongpoh Police Station have been filed against the arrested men as the investigstion net widens into the criminal activities of the HNLC and its sympathizers following the IED explosion in Shillong on March 9th.
