Guwahati: Guwahati police has arrested a 10-member criminal gang allegedly involved in robbery, warehouse looting, vehicle theft and theft of valuable equipment from mobile towers across Assam.
The accused were arrested during raids conducted at Khanapara and a hotel in Hatigaon area of Guwahati. Police said the gang had been using the hotel as a hideout for planning criminal activities for a long time.
The arrested persons have been identified as Bipul Ali alias Baro, Ramjan Ali alias Dadul, Piro Ali alias Gazi Ali, Nasir Ali, Asadur Ali, Abdul Bachik, Mohammad Ali alias Sahil, Samsul Ali, Sahidur Ali and Maktul Hussain alias Sahil. Most of them are from Barpeta district, while one accused is from Tamulpur.
According to police, the operation was launched after receiving secret information about an active robbery gang operating in Guwahati and other parts of Assam. During the raids, police seized an air gun, stolen telecom equipment from mobile towers, sharp weapons, iron rods, cutters, screwdrivers and other tools allegedly used in robberies and thefts.
Police also seized two four-wheelers and two motorcycles, which were reportedly used during criminal activities.
A police official said the gang used to first survey targeted locations before carrying out robberies and thefts in an organised manner. Investigators suspect the group was involved in several criminal cases reported in Guwahati and other districts of Assam.
Police further said many of the arrested persons have previous criminal records, and investigation is underway to identify other members linked to the network.
Officials believe the arrest of the gang will help control the recent rise in mobile tower theft, warehouse looting and night-time robbery cases reported in Guwahati and nearby areas.
