By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State police have arrested the president of Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM) Lamphrang Kharbani for illegal possession of arms which he had bought from a group of robbers.
Kharbani was apprehended by police on Wednesday night for procuring a China-made 7.56 mm pistol, police said on Thursday.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Vivek Syiem, Kharbani purchased the pistol from one Pynshai Rani. Rani was the member of a gang involved in several robbery cases, police said adding that the gang committed robberies on November 6 and 18.
Rani was arrested and booked under the MPDA in the past.
According to police, special operation team of the police apprehended Kharbani from Umlyngka on Wednesday night after which he lead the team to his house at Mawkasiang in the outskirts of the city from where police recovered a 7.65 mm pistol along with six bullets.
However, soon after the arrest, the NGOs leader complained of abdominal pain and was admitted to NEIGRIHMS.
The police will now investigate if the NGO leader has any link with the robbers.
Police have also arrested Kitbok Marwein, Meshak Marwein and Masterlin Lyngdoh in connection with a robbery case under Madanrting Police Station.
According to police on November 6 the group was involved in the assault of one Lakshman Lal (23), driver of a trailer truck (HR-23A-1008) at Lad Smit, East Khasi Hills.
The group was also involved in another robbery case where they had looted Rs 4,500 from a person at Laitkor, East Khasi Hills.
Meshak and Masterlin earlier in the year were arrested for their involvement in looting Rs 42 lakh belonging to the Central Bank of India in the city.