The East Khasi Hills police and the Ri Bhoi District police in a joint operation has foiled the bid of proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to explode another Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Shillong and Nongpoh. Police have arrested four persons and seized a significant amount of explosive materials.
In a press statement issued by Superintendent of Police, Ri Bhoi District, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa said amongst the four accused arrested, one was the active sleeper cell of HNLC.
Narrating the incident, Police said, “On 11th March, 2024 at about 6: 00 Pm one vehicle bearing registration number ML- 12-3243 (Bolero Pick-Up) driven by Damanbha Ripnar was detained at Umsning-Mawhati Road. On the voluntary leading of the accused Damanbha Ripnar, one IED was recovered from the above-mentioned vehicle by Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad (BDDS) from Shillong after observing all the safety protocols.”
“Till filing of this report one active sleeper cell of HNLC consisting of 4 accused. Persons has been busted thereby foiling their attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town. It is to be mentioned that this sleeper cell was taking directions from Bangladesh based proscribed HNLC fugitives,” the SP added.
The arrested four were Damanbha Ripnar alias Shall Lapang, Robinis Ripnar, Jill Tariang and Shining Nongrum.
The seizure includes 15 Gelatin Sticks, 167 splinters (shrapnel inside the IED), 1 safety fuse wire, 3 numbers of Non electric Detonators. Apart from that a vehicle with registration number ML 12 3243 and 5 mobile phones were also confiscated from the accused.
A criminal case has been registered at Nongpoh Police Station under Section 120B/121A of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 10/13/18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and 5/6 of the Explosive Substances Act (Case No. 25(3)2024).