TURA, Oct 1: A criminal gang said to be involved in extortion and car theft has been busted by West Garo Hills Police with the support of their police counterparts from North, South and East Garo Hills, leading to the arrest of 11 persons, including the gang leader.
Two age-old single barrel muzzle loading (SBML) shotguns and one old 9 mm pistol have been seized from the group.
West Garo Hills Police claims that the gang was transforming into a militant outfit and named itself as A’chik National Socialist Council (ANSC) with the intention to recruit more people and begin armed activities.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, VS Rathore, said that the group had evolved from petty crimes to militancy when it was nipped in the bud by the arrest of their leader, Chekam Ch Sangma, from Hawakhana area of Tura on September 25. His arrest led to 10 others falling into the police trap in different districts of Garo Hills.
Incriminating notes were recovered from the arrested leader of the gang who also confessed to police that he had formed the ANSC outfit with around 25-30 persons and was in the process of drafting their constitution and purchasing weapons to indulge in extortion and kidnappings.
They also, reportedly, planned to establish an NGO by the name of ‘AKMA’ to collect funds for use in illegal activities.
The arrested men are Chekam Ch Sangma (alias Captain C Sangma) and also known as Gangbo, Wallison B Marak alias Sengkim (vice chairman), Chijang A Sangma alias Tejang/Jimmy, Krinsbar B Marak alias Sopel/Silang, Arbas B Marak alias Roson/Jonbath, Raking A Sangma alias Kasrang, Juliash N Sangma alias Jelius/Selius, Chekam R Marak alias Chekand, Hereson K Sangma alias Mikdep, Daniel B Marak alias Deny and Nathalie R Sangma.
