Shillong: Meghalaya police arrested three individuals involved in the alleged theft of a significant quantity of diesel from mobile towers at Patharkhmah in Ri-Bhoi District on Thursday (May 1).
Acting on timely information from alert citizens, a police team intercepted a vehicle at the Patharkhmah PWD Junction at approximately 3:00 am, recovering six plastic jerry cans containing an estimated 220-230 litres of diesel.
The stolen fuel is believed to have been siphoned from three Reliance Jio mobile towers located in Jirang village.
The three occupants of the intercepted vehicle reportedly confessed to the theft and were immediately taken into custody.
The accused have been identified as Refer Marsing of Mawtari Thaiang village, Robren Langi, and Rishad Sylliang, both residents of Umkra village.
Police suspect the arrested individuals are part of a larger organized gang involved in previous theft incidents targeting mobile towers across the district.
Authorities have stated that efforts are underway to identify the remaining members of the gang and those involved in receiving the stolen property.
Police have assured that strict legal action will be taken against all individuals found to be involved.
The Patharkhmah Police Station expressed gratitude towards the vigilant citizens whose prompt information enabled the successful operation.
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“We thank the good Samaritans for their timely information, which enabled the Patharkhmah PS team to mount a quick response and apprehend the accused,” police said.
