A specialized team from the East Khasi Hills district has apprehended two individuals believed to be involved in a series of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) thefts across the country, particularly in the northeastern region. This operation, which took place in Haryana’s Roop district, was led by DSP Operations Sinsang Samar, and resulted in the arrests of Salim, 26, and Rahul, 31. Authorities report that this group executed their thefts with remarkable efficiency, completing the heist in approximately seven minutes.

Details of the ATM Thefts Revealed

Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem disclosed that three ATM theft incidents had been documented, with the thieves exhibiting a high level of professional skill. The initial theft occurred on May 21, 2025, at an ATM in Mawkria, resulting in the loss of Rs. 28,13,100. The second incident took place on December 30, involving an ATM in Smit, where cash amounting to Rs. 35,57,000 was stolen. The most recent theft on February 8 involved an ATM at Millev, with Rs. 35,00,000 taken. The rapid execution of these heists has raised concerns about the sophistication of such criminal activities in the region.

Investigation and Arrest Operations

SP Syiem also confirmed that two cases were filed in Mawngap, while one was lodged in Madanrting. Following a detailed investigation, the special cell deployed a dedicated team to Haryana on February 27 in collaboration with the Central Investigation Agency. Operations were initiated on March 9, targeting the suspects believed to be significant figures behind these ATM thefts throughout India, especially in the Northeast.

Local Collaborators Also Arrested

Following the arrest of the primary suspects, police conducted further operations in Shillong, resulting in the detention of two additional individuals, identified as local facilitators. The suspects—John Fisher Lingkhoi, aged 32, from Umpleng, and Joyous Dora, aged 47, from Mawlai Mukwad—were apprehended as part of ongoing local efforts. Both are currently in custody, with John Fisher and Joyous Dora facing a six-day remand, while Salim and Rahul are held on a five-day remand.

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