Baghmara, April 23 – The South Garo Hills district police have busted a major kidnapping gang with the arrest of six accused persons involved in various kidnapping cases in the region. In a press release issued today, Shailendra Bamaniya, Superintendent of Police, South Garo Hills, informed about the apprehension of the prime accused Rongsrang M Sangma (29), son of Nikrosh R Marak of Gittingre village under Baghmara PS of the district. He was arrested from Rapdikgre village under Williamnagar PS, East Garo Hills.
According to the press release, Rongsrang was the main mastermind behind several kidnappings that took place in the South Garo Hills district in the recent past. He has been identified as a member of the banned militant outfit GNLA (R) and was executing kidnappings and extortions on their behalf in the district.
Five other accused – Wilban M Sangma, Withmil S Marak, Sengsrang Ch Marak, Tengsrang Ch Marak and Aiber N Sangma – were arrested earlier in connection with the kidnapping cases. Their arrest, along with Rongsrang’s apprehension, has enabled the police to bust the entire kidnapping racket operating in South Garo Hills.
During the investigation, it was established that Rongsrang Sangma played a pivotal role in orchestrating the criminal activities of the militant group. The police have expressed satisfaction at dismantling this kidnapping gang through the series of arrests.
The accused individuals are currently in custody and further legal proceedings against them are underway. The South Garo Hills police have appealed to the public to share any relevant information that could aid in maintaining law and order in the district.
Recent kidnapping or extortion incidents in South Garo Hills of Meghalaya include the abduction of Akhilesh Chauhan, a heavy-duty equipment mechanic and supervisor working with a private construction company at Rongdik bridge on NH-217 under Siju police station. The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, when Chauhan was allegedly abducted from the construction site, which is nearly 10 km away from the India-Bangladesh border. Later on, police successfully rescued him from Upper Dosogre village from the clutches of the kidnappers.
