Meghalaya police arrested three individuals on Thursday (May 1) for allegedly stealing a large quantity of diesel from mobile towers in the Patharkhmah area of Ri-Bhoi District. The suspects were apprehended following a tip-off from alert citizens.
The police intercepted a vehicle at around 3:00 am near the Patharkhmah PWD Junction. Inside the vehicle, officers found six jerry cans containing approximately 220–230 litres of diesel, believed to have been siphoned from three Reliance Jio mobile towers located in Jirang village.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Refer Marsing of Mawtari Thaiang village, and Robren Langi and Rishad Sylliang of Umkra village. According to authorities, the trio confessed to the theft during initial questioning.
Police suspect the accused are part of a larger organized gang involved in previous thefts targeting telecom infrastructure in the region. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the group and those who may have received the stolen fuel.
Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved, and they commended the local citizens whose prompt information helped foil the theft.
“We thank the good Samaritans for their timely information, which enabled the Patharkhmah PS team to mount a quick response and apprehend the accused,” the police stated.
