In a major breakthrough, Meghalaya Police intercepted a vehicle near the Meghalaya-Assam inter-state boundary at Umkiang in East Jaintia Hills district on Wednesday, confiscating a staggering 30,000 explosive detonators and arresting two individuals. The vehicle was en route to Silchar, Assam, when it was stopped for a routine check.
Recovery of Explosives
According to police officials, a thorough search of the vehicle led to the detection and recovery of 30,000 explosive detonators. The detonators were cleverly concealed inside two carton boxes and one gunny bag, indicating an attempt to transport them illegally. The police stated, “The explosive detonators were concealed inside two carton boxes and one gunny bag and were being transported illegally.”
Arrests and Identification
The two occupants of the vehicle have been arrested and identified as Kamrul Ali Laskar, a resident of Jamalpur in Cachar district, Assam, and Ibrahim Uddin Laskar, a resident of Loknathpur in Cachar. Both individuals are currently in police custody and are being questioned regarding the source and intended destination of the explosives.
Investigation Underway
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Pankaj Kumar Rasgania confirmed that a criminal case has been registered under relevant sections of the law. An investigation has been initiated to trace the forward and backward linkages of the explosives. “We are working to uncover the entire network involved in this illegal transportation,” SP Rasgania stated. The police are also probing whether the detonators were intended for use in illegal mining, quarrying, or any nefarious activities.
Security Concerns in the Region
The seizure comes amid heightened security concerns in the Northeast region, where illegal transportation of explosives has been a persistent issue. Meghalaya, sharing borders with Assam and Bangladesh, has often been used as a transit route for contraband items. This operation underscores the vigilance of Meghalaya Police in preventing such illegal activities.
Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses. The police have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to explosives or illegal transportation to the nearest police station.
