TURA: West Garo Hills police have recovered four automatic 9 mm pistols and a shotgun from a forest in Tikrikilla region after arresting six criminals involved in a string of extortion and kidnapping cases.
The four 9mm pistols, a gun magazine and 15 live rounds together with the single barrel shotgun (SBML) were unearthed from their hiding place at Megapara forest after six gang members were picked up in pre-dawn raids on seven villages of Tikrikilla.
Raids were conducted on Megapara, Rengsinpara, Rabhagre, Dobok Jakolgre, Khagrakgre and Cheran Apal villages early Wenesday mornings to nab a criminal gang which was not only involved in extortion and abductions but had also been identified to harbor militants from various groups.
The arrested criminals, Killipson Sangma of Megapara, Krilbirth Ch Sangmaof Dobok Jakolgre, Karson Ch Sangma of Megapara, Rongnen Ch Sangma of Cheran Apal and Gobithar Marak of Wakso Todamgre in North Garo Hills were reportedly part of the same gang involved in several criminal cases.
“They have confessed to their involvement in several kidnapping cases and were also acting as collaborators for rebel groups by giving shelter to militants of both the GNLA and the UALA,” said district Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar Singh.
