DIMAPUR, AUG 31 (NPN): Mon police have uncovered a suspected interstate network involved in the theft, transportation and disposal of stolen vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, following a sustained verification drive by its Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad (AVTS).
In a press release, Mon police informed that the AVTS through intelligence gathering, monitoring and field-level verification, identified more than 50 vehicles in Mon town whose ownership records or supporting documents were found to be doubtful or incomplete.
Detailed inquiries subsequently found that more than 30 of the vehicles were reportedly linked to theft cases registered in neighbouring states, including Jorhat, Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts of Assam and a district in Arunachal Pradesh.
Taking suo motu initiative, the AVTS contacted police stations in the neighbouring states and shared details of the vehicles for verification. After ownership, FIR particulars and documentary evidence were confirmed, the concerned police authorities were invited to Mon for further legal formalities.
The recovered vehicles were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners or the concerned police authorities in accordance with legal procedure.
Mon police said some of the cases had remained undetected for four to five years despite efforts by the concerned police authorities.
It said detection through Nagaland police’s independent verification and detailed inquiry helped revive and resolve several long-pending cases, highlighting the importance of proactive policing and inter-state coordination.
Police said that further investigation revealed a suspected modus operandi in which vehicles were allegedly stolen in Assam and brought into Nagaland for disposal at comparatively low prices.
According to preliminary findings, police said villagers and unsuspecting buyers were among the primary targets. It said stolen vehicles were allegedly sold as second-hand vehicles at attractive prices, with buyers in some cases being provided random or unrelated identity documents purportedly showing ownership.
Police said unusually low prices could have prompted some buyers to purchase the vehicles without verifying ownership documents or conducting adequate checks.
Further, police informed that preliminary findings point to the suspected involvement of Nagaland-based middlemen who allegedly identify prospective buyers and receive commissions for facilitating the disposal of stolen vehicles.
Mon police have shared available intelligence on the suspected Assam-based vehicle thieves with the concerned authorities in Assam. It said AVTS was continuing efforts to identify and apprehend suspected Nagaland-based intermediaries with the aim of dismantling the entire network.
Mon police have urged the public, particularly those purchasing second-hand motorcycles and other vehicles, to exercise extreme caution. Buyers have been advised to verify registration and ownership documents, chassis and engine numbers, and the theft status of vehicles through appropriate official channels before completing any purchase.
