SHILLONG : Meghalaya Police have arrested three persons in connection with the theft of a .303 rifle from the MCCL factory store room in Sohra, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said on Wednesday.
The accused have been identified as Shaiborlang Jyrwa, Sawbor Sooting, and Teilang Sohkhia. The stolen rifle, bearing registration number 3709740, was recovered from a house in Mawkisyiem, Sohra, belonging to the grandmother of one of the accused.
According to police, the weapon had been reported missing on April 11. After sustained efforts, the Sohra police successfully traced and arrested the three individuals involved in the case.
SP Syiem stated that the motive behind the theft was purely financial. The accused allegedly intended to sell the rifle to individuals involved in hunting animals or birds in order to earn money.
“The intention was to sell the weapon to those who go hunting. Their purpose was to make money,” he said.
Police have launched further interrogation of the accused to uncover additional details and possible links.
Highlighting a key lapse, the SP pointed out that improper storage of the firearm made the theft possible. He stressed the need for stronger security measures at such facilities.
“The weapon was not kept in a properly secured place, which allowed the theft to happen. There must be a proper armoury to securely store such weapons,” Syiem said.
The investigation into the case is ongoing.