3 held, Rs 36 lakh seized
TURA: The Centre’s demonetisation has made Garo rebel outfits, particularly GNLA, jittery and the groups are trying to shift its hidden cash to banks through its over ground supporters and workers.
East Garo Hills Police on Thursday seized close to Rs 36 lakh and arrested three persons linked to the elusive GNLA chief Sohan D. Shira.
Acting on intelligence inputs received the night before, police teams arrested a villager identified as Lingstone Ch Marak of Chachatgre village on Thursday evening and seized around Rs 34.66 lakh from his possession. The money was allegedly dumped by his and Sohan’s wives.
The team arrested another villager, identified as Simple Ch Momin of Dorengkigre village, and seized Rs 1.25 lakh from his possession.
Another suspect has also been taken into custody for alleged links to the attempted cash transfer.
When contacted, District SP Davies Nestell R Marak refused to reveal details saying the case is under investigation. “At this stage, I am not in a position to reveal anything more as the case is under investigation. But yes, we have arrested three persons and recovered cash belonging to the outfit from their possession,” he said.
The GNLA is facing a cash crunch due to the recent demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. It is alleged that Sohan’s wealth, amassed over several decades, is buried in a water tank in an unknown location the Durama hill range.
It is also alleged that the desperate outfit is kidnapping villagers and putting pressure on them to deposit its cash in banks.
