Shillong: Police in Meghalaya’s North Garo Hills arrested two men carrying illegal firearms after they met with an accident along National Highway 51 near Berubari under Bajengdoba Police Station on Saturday night.
According to police, the duo — identified as Walchang K. Sangma of Salmanpara in South West Garo Hills and Mikselbirth Sangma alias Niksengbirth of Gabil Bisa in East Garo Hills — were found injured by the roadside after their motorcycle rammed into a tree.
Local residents who rushed to the spot discovered firearms in their bags and assaulted them before police arrived and intervened. Both men were taken to the Bajengdoba Primary Health Centre for treatment.
Police recovered two country-made wooden firearms fitted with barrels, five mobile phones, a khukri, and clothes from their possession.
A medical examination confirmed that the two had consumed alcohol before the accident.
Officials said both accused have a criminal history.
Walchang had previously been arrested in a case related to crimes against women, while Mikselbirth was implicated in a kidnapping case — both under Ampati Police Station in South West Garo Hills.
A fresh case has been registered under relevant sections of the law, and an investigation is underway to determine the source and intended use of the seized weapons, police added.
