Daijiworld Media Network - Itanagar

Itanagar, May 3: In a significant breakthrough, Arunachal Pradesh police on Saturday arrested four highway robbers involved in a string of lootings along National Highway-415 in Papum Pare district since January this year.

According to officials, the accused posed as law enforcement officers under the guise of checking Inner Line Permits (ILPs), drugs, and contraband, and used sharp weapons and knives to threaten and rob unsuspecting travellers of cash, mobile phones, and valuables.

Victims had filed multiple FIRs at various police stations, including the Banderdewa police station, under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Following a series of such crimes, a special investigation team was formed under the leadership of Naharlagun SDPO Longdo and Banderdewa Police Station OC Kipa Hamak. The team launched a detailed investigation using CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to track down the suspects.

A police official said that an ambush was laid at Karsingsa along NH-415 on Friday night, resulting in the arrest of Patey Bagang (19) during an attempted robbery. One accomplice initially fled the scene but was later tracked down.

Based on Bagang’s confession, police swiftly arrested three others Tadar Rar (24), Ngurang Tako (23), and Tabia Kapa (27) from different locations.

All four have been identified as habitual offenders, involved in multiple robbery and theft cases since January, police revealed.

In a separate operation, the Naharlagun Police also arrested three burglars from various locations in connection with multiple burglary cases in the capital region, as part of their intensified crackdown on criminal activity.