Assam Police Crack Down on Interstate Vehicle Theft Ring
In a significant breakthrough, Dispur police have successfully busted an interstate vehicle racket, recovering 11 luxury vehicles from Arunachal Pradesh during a coordinated operation on Monday night. Officials confirmed that the crackdown was executed based on precise technical inputs, targeting multiple locations across the neighboring state.
Arrest Made in Connection with Fraudulent Activities
One individual, identified as Rupjyoti Das, a native of Kamalpur in Assam's Kamrup district, has been apprehended in connection with the racket. Das was temporarily residing in Hatigaon at the time of his arrest. According to police statements, he has been accused of duping numerous city residents by posing as a representative of a rental agency, taking possession of their cars under false pretenses, and subsequently selling them outside Assam.
Police Investigation Reveals Extensive Fraud Network
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) (East) Anurag Sarmah provided detailed insights into the case during a media briefing. "Das has deceived multiple individuals in the city by falsely representing a rental agency and selling their vehicles outside the state," Sarmah explained. "Several cases have been registered against him at various police stations. Prior to this operation, the Basistha and Hatigaon police stations had already recovered 17 other vehicles linked to his activities."
The newly recovered luxury vehicles were seized from remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh following directives from the Commissioner of Police. Sarmah emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and arresting other individuals associated with the racket. "To date, we have recovered over 30 vehicles in connection with cases registered in the East Police district," the ADCP stated, adding that further recoveries are anticipated as the probe continues.
Modus Operandi and Suspected Scale of the Racket
Police investigations have revealed that Das allegedly employed multiple identities while operating the racket. At times, he introduced himself as a private bank manager, claiming he was acquiring vehicles for official company use. Instead, investigators allege he sold the vehicles outside Assam at prices significantly below market value.
"We suspect that Das may have carried out similar fraudulent activities in other districts of the state, although we lack concrete figures at this stage," Sarmah added. "Based on our current assessment, we believe the total number of cars stolen could exceed 80."
Authorities further allege that some of the vehicles were sold using fraudulent number plates. The suspects reportedly exploited the complexity of the inter-state registration process through the DTO office, which could have potentially exposed the vehicles as stolen if proper procedures were followed.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Efforts
A formal case has been registered against Das under Sections 316(2) and 318(4) of the BNS Act at Dispur Police Station. Additionally, cases have been filed against him at various police stations in Arunachal Pradesh. The police are continuing their efforts to dismantle the entire network involved in this interstate vehicle racket, with a focus on recovering more stolen vehicles and bringing all perpetrators to justice.
