Arunachal Pradesh Police have apprehended five individuals for their alleged involvement in a brazen armed dacoity at a private residence in the Namsai district, according to official statements released on Friday. The operation also led to the recovery of a foreign-made firearm, live rounds, and suspected stolen jewellery items.
The arrests stem from a thorough investigation launched after a robbery took place on October 30 at the home of Omnath Dhanuk located in the Simolbari area. According to authorities, a gang of seven armed perpetrators forcefully entered the property, physically assaulted and intimidated the residents, including a minor, before escaping with roughly Rs 10 lakh in cash, four mobile phones, and gold ornaments.
Case Registration and Suspect Identification
Namsai Deputy Superintendent of Police Kengo Dirchi stated that an official case was registered at the Namsai police station on October 31 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Arms Act, 1959. Investigators worked to trace the suspects based on initial leads.
The five detained individuals have been formally identified as Latul Boruah from Premnagar, Dinesh Gogoi and Mineswar Dihingia from Bhogamur in Namsai district, Chow Kyapeng Manlong from Nongtow Khamti, and Sophio Mepo alias Kaloso Mepo from Mepo situated in the neighboring Lohit district, the officer confirmed.
Recovered Firearms and Vehicles
During the subsequent police operations, law enforcement personnel recovered a Turkish-manufactured 7.65 mm pistol, a magazine loaded with two live rounds, a gold mangalsutra believed to be part of the looted valuables, two mobile phones, and two motorcycles. Investigators noted that one of the seized motorcycles was allegedly employed during the execution of the crime.
Initial findings suggest the robbery was a premeditated conspiracy rooted in a personal dispute. The perpetrators reportedly conducted reconnaissance on the victim’s home and mapped out specific entry and exit routes beforehand, Dirchi explained.
Criminal Records of the Accused
Police archives reveal that two of the arrested suspects, Dihingia and Mepo, are former members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and possess extensive criminal backgrounds involving multiple serious offenses. Manlong also faces prior criminal charges, including counts related to attempted murder, extortion, and violations of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Meanwhile, Gogoi was previously implicated in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the police official added. Comprehensive investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
