SHILLONG, JAN 20: In a major crackdown against illegal immigration, Jowai Police arrested 18 Bangladeshi nationals, two Indian touts, and five drivers during a coordinated operation carried out in West Jaintia Hills district in the early hours of Tuesday.
Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanao said a special police team, with assistance from the Headman and Village Defence Party (VDP) of Demthring village, conducted the operation around 3 am on January 20.
The first interception took place at Lad Demthring, where a vehicle driven by Vishal Dkhar of Dawki was chased and intercepted near Sanmala Guest House, Amlarem, leading to the apprehension of four Bangladeshi nationals.
During the same operation, police also detained two Indian touts — Meban Dkhar and Melari Rasmut — from Lad Demthring, along with their vehicle bearing registration number ML-04D-4739.
Subsequent investigation revealed that three more vehicles carrying Bangladeshi nationals were travelling from Jowai towards Dawki. Acting swiftly, police set up a naka checking point at Amlarem market, where the vehicles were intercepted.
The vehicles included ML-05AD-6424, driven by Blessing Pamthied of Jarain village; ML-04D-4993, driven by Twel Rongngi of Shkentalang village; and ML-04E-0640, driven by Rimi Lyngdoh of Shkentalang village. These vehicles were found transporting 14 Bangladeshi nationals.
“As a result of the operation, 18 Bangladeshi nationals, two Indian touts and five drivers were apprehended, and five vehicles were seized,” SP Dhanao said.
He informed that a case has been registered under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and all the accused have been taken into custody for further legal proceedings.
Reiterating the police’s commitment to safeguarding the international border, SP Dhanao urged headmen and Village Defence Parties across the district to actively cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“We earnestly request all headmen and VDPs to come forward and assist the police in preventing crime and safeguarding our communities,” he stated.
