Summary
A local court in Shillong has granted the police four days to question six men accused of running a large ATM robbery group. These individuals are part of an interstate gang that traveled across different regions to break into cash machines. The police believe this group is responsible for stealing nearly one crore rupees from three different locations over the past year. This legal move allows investigators to gather more evidence and understand how the gang operated across state lines.
Main Impact
The arrest of this gang marks a major success for the East Khasi Hills Police. By catching these six men, the authorities have stopped a professional group that specialized in high-value thefts. The most significant impact of this case is the discovery of how the gang was organized. It involved a mix of technical experts from northern India and local residents who knew the area well. The fact that a former police officer was part of the group has also raised serious concerns about internal security and the misuse of law enforcement knowledge.
Key Details
What Happened
On Monday, the suspects were brought before a judge who decided they should stay in police custody for further questioning. This follows a busy weekend for the Special Cell of the East Khasi Hills Police. On Sunday, officers took the suspects to an ATM booth in Mylliem. There, the police conducted a crime reconstruction. This is a process where the accused show the police exactly how they broke into the machine and took the money. This step is vital for building a strong case in court.
Important Numbers and Facts
The investigation has linked this gang to three specific robberies in the district. The total amount of money stolen is very high. The first recorded theft happened on May 21, 2025, in Mawkriah, where the gang took Rs 28.13 lakh. The second incident took place on December 30, 2025, in Smit, resulting in a loss of Rs 35.57 lakh. The most recent theft occurred on February 8, 2026, in Mylliem, where Rs 35 lakh was stolen. In total, the gang is accused of taking over Rs 98 lakh from these three ATMs.
The police have identified the roles of each member. Salim, a 36-year-old from Haryana, is described as the technician who used tools to cut open the metal machines. Rahul, a 31-year-old also from Haryana, is alleged to be the mastermind who planned the operations. The group also relied on local help from John Fishal Lyngkhoi and Joyous Dura. Dura is a former constable who once worked with the Special Operations Team. Two other men, Rejaul Korim and Lius Ali from Assam, were also part of the team.
Background and Context
ATM theft has become a serious issue for banks and police across India. Criminals often use gas cutters or heavy tools to open the machines quickly at night. These gangs are often "interstate," meaning they live in one state but commit crimes in another. This makes it harder for local police to track them down because the thieves leave the area immediately after the crime. In this case, the gang traveled from Haryana and Assam to target ATMs in the quieter areas around Shillong.
Using local facilitators is a common tactic for these groups. Local members help the outsiders find ATMs that are not well-guarded or are located in spots with fewer security cameras. Having a former police officer involved gave the gang an even bigger advantage, as he likely understood police patrol patterns and how to avoid detection.
Public or Industry Reaction
The news of these arrests has caused a stir in the local community. Many people are surprised by the large amounts of money stolen from ATMs in small towns like Smit and Mylliem. There is also a sense of disappointment regarding the involvement of a former member of the Special Operations Team. Residents are calling for better security at ATM booths, especially during the night. Banking officials are also looking into ways to make their machines more resistant to the types of cutting tools used by this gang.
What This Means Going Forward
The four-day police custody period is a critical time for the investigation. The police will try to find out if the gang was involved in other unsolved thefts in nearby districts. They will also look for the stolen money, which has not yet been fully recovered. This case will likely lead to a review of how former security personnel are monitored. Additionally, banks in Meghalaya may be asked to install better alarm systems and more advanced cameras to prevent similar crimes in the future. The police hope that this successful arrest will serve as a warning to other interstate gangs planning to operate in the region.
Final Take
This case shows that while technology allows criminals to commit high-tech thefts, careful police work and cooperation can still bring them to justice. The mix of local knowledge and outside technical skill made this gang dangerous, but their eventual capture provides some relief to the public and the banking sector. The focus now shifts to the legal process and ensuring that all those involved face the consequences of their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money did the gang steal in total?
The gang is accused of stealing a total of approximately Rs 98.7 lakh from three different ATMs in the East Khasi Hills district over the course of several months.
Who were the leaders of the ATM theft racket?
Police believe that Rahul from Haryana was the mastermind behind the plan, while Salim, also from Haryana, acted as the technician who physically cut open the ATM machines.
What is a crime reconstruction?
A crime reconstruction is when the police take the suspects back to the scene of the crime. The suspects show the officers how they committed the act, which helps the police gather evidence and confirm the details of the investigation.