A seven-member police team led by DSP Operations Sinsang Samar successfully apprehended two individuals involved in a series of high-profile ATM thefts across India, especially in the Northeast, police sources reported.
The accused, identified as Salim (26) and Rahul (31), were caught following investigations into multiple ATM robberies.
According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, three separate ATMs had been targeted by highly skilled professionals who managed to loot each machine in just seven minutes. “This is the first time we have witnessed such professional and rapid ATM thefts,” he stated.
The incidents were detailed as follows:
May 21, 2025: ATM at Mawkria robbed, Rs28,13,100 stolen.
December 30, 2025: ATM at Smit looted, Rs35,57,000 stolen.
February 8, 2026: ATM at Millev hit, Rs35,00,000 stolen.
“These individuals executed the thefts with extreme professionalism, taking only about seven minutes per ATM. It’s unprecedented in our experience,” SP Syiem said.
A dedicated seven-member team, with assistance from the Central Investigation Agency, was dispatched to Haryana’s Roop district to apprehend the suspects. “Following investigations, DSP Sinsang Samar led operations beginning March 9 in collaboration with the Central Investigation Agency. This resulted in the arrest of Salim of Dorakhi and Rahul of Bazidpur, both wanted in multiple ATM theft cases across the country,” he added.
Further operations in Shillong led to the capture of two facilitators, John Fisher Lingkhoi (32) from Umpleng and Joyous Dora (47) from Mawlai Mukwad, who had assisted the main criminals. John and Joyous were remanded for six days, while Rahul and Salim received five days’ remand.
SP Syiem concluded by acknowledging the support of local police in bringing the case to a successful closure.
