Shillong, Aug 12: In a startling turn of events, Meghalaya police have uncovered that the individuals who initially claimed to be victims of a hijacking were, in fact, the masterminds behind the theft of TMT bars worth approximately Rs. 10 lakh.
East Khasi Hills SP, Sylvester Nongtnger, on Monday said, “In this connection, a criminal case under Mawryngkneng P.S Case No. 24 (8) 2024 U/s 309 (4)/137 (2) BNS has been registered, and 4 (four) persons have been arrested viz Deibormi Mukhim (40), Robert Shadap (25), Babiangbor Mylliem (38) and Shopstarwell Jana (35).”
“The investigation of the case is in progress to ascertain the facts and circumstances,” he added.
The SP informed that on August 9, a written FIR was received from Deibormi Mukhim and Robert Shadap to the effect that on August 8, 2024, while their vehicle bearing registration no. NL-01-K-6051 (12-wheeler) loaded with TMT bars was parked at Mawryngkneng by-pass, 4 unknown persons armed with a knife entered their truck at around 08:50 pm and forcefully dragged them inside 1 (one) Alto 800 vehicle which did not have a registration number.
Both the persons along with another driver of a truck bearing registration no. ML-05-T-3858, were detained the whole night and they were only released in the morning of August 9, 2024 at Pynursla.
“On receiving the information, investigation was initiated; however, during the course of investigation, it was found that Deibormi Mukhim and Robert Shadap had prearranged to unload the consignments at Pommura, and thereafter, loaded the materials into another truck bearing registration no. ML-05-T-3858. The stolen consignments were recovered from Laitkyrhong and Jongksha village, and the total number of seized/recovered TMT bars is about 18.5 tons amounting to approximately Rs 9.5 or 10 lakhs,” Nongtnger said.
Furthermore, the truck bearing registration no. NL-01-K-6051 (12-wheeler) which was reported missing was recovered from Mukhla village, West Jaintia Hills and the truck bearing registration no. ML-05-T-3858 which was utilized for the commission of crime was seized from 7th mile Baniun, Upper Shillong, he informed.
