Meghalaya Police have apprehended 18 Bangladeshi nationals and two Indian touts during a coordinated early-morning operation near the India-Bangladesh border in West Jaintia Hills district, close to Dawki, police officials informed.
The operation began around 3 am on January 20 after intelligence inputs suggested that undocumented Bangladeshi nationals were being ferried from Jowai towards Dawki. Acting on the tip-off, a Special Team of the West Jaintia Hills Police, assisted by the headman and Village Defence Party (VDP) of Demthring village, set up interception points along the route.
During the initial phase of the operation, police intercepted a vehicle bearing registration number ML-04D/7339 near Sanmala Guest House in Amlarem following a pursuit from Lad Demthring. Four Bangladeshi nationals were found inside the vehicle, which was being driven by Vishal Dkhar, a resident of Dawki.
Simultaneously, two Indian nationals, Meban Dkhar and Melari Rasmut, were detained at Lad Demthring along with their vehicle, ML-04D/4739. During questioning, the detainees revealed that three more vehicles carrying undocumented Bangladeshi nationals were travelling along the same route.
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Based on this information, police swiftly established naka checking points at the Amlarem market area, leading to the interception of three vehicles at around 3.45 am. 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.
Fourteen Bangladeshi nationals were found travelling in these three vehicles.
The operation resulted in the seizure of five vehicles and the detention of 18 Bangladeshi nationals, two Indian touts and five drivers. All those apprehended have been taken into custody for further legal proceedings.
A case has been registered in connection with the incident, and action is being initiated “under the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025,” according to an official press release.
The Superintendent of Police, West Jaintia Hills district, underlined the force’s focus on border vigilance, stating, “West Jaintia Hills Police reiterate its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the border.”
Police have also appealed to headmen and Village Defence Parties across the district to continue assisting law enforcement agencies in preventing illegal border crossings and ensuring community security.
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