SHILLONG : A major breakthrough has been achieved by Meghalaya Police after busting a dangerous interstate gang involved in ATM robberies, following the vandalism of an ATM belonging to Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd at Bhoirymbong earlier this month.
The incident took place on April 5, 2026, when unidentified miscreants damaged the ATM machine and looted cash. Based on strong suspicion that the culprits were from outside the state, the Superintendent of Police of Ri-Bhoi district constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), under the supervision of the DIG (Eastern Range), Shillong.
Following the incident, a case was registered at Umiam Police Station under relevant sections of law.
Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad stated that through coordinated efforts, Meghalaya Police, with assistance from police forces in Assam and Haryana, successfully dismantled a gang involved in ATM thefts across multiple locations.
The gang is believed to be linked to several ATM robbery cases not only in Ri-Bhoi but also in East Khasi Hills, East Jaiñtia Hills, and North Garo Hills districts.
So far, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. According to police, the gang used gas-cutting equipment to break open ATM machines and escape with cash within minutes.
Authorities revealed that the group was highly skilled and typically targeted remote areas with minimal security presence to carry out their operations.
Police confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing to identify and apprehend other members linked to the gang and uncover the full extent of their criminal network.
This crackdown marks a significant step in curbing organized ATM theft operations in Meghalaya and strengthening security across vulnerable locations.