Six arrested with 1,525 kg explosives, 6,000 detonators in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills

Six person were arrested in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district with an enormous quantity of explosives and detonators, police said on Friday.

Acting on a tip-off about possible movement of explosives, police conducted raids within the 4 Kilo area on Wednesday night, they said.

An SUV with Assam registration was intercepted at Kongong within the Ladrymbai police outpost area, police said.

Ten cartons with 250 kg of explosives (2,000 gelatin sticks), 1,000 live detonators and eight rolls of fuse were found within the car, said Assistant military officer of Police GK Iangrai.

Two persons who were travelling within the vehicle were arrested, he said.

Based on the knowledge obtained from them, four more persons were arrested, resulting in a hideout within the 5 Kilo area in Khliehriat where the explosives were suspected to possess been loaded within the vehicle, he added.

On search of the place, 51 cartons with approximately 1,275 kg of explosive (10,200 gelatine sticks), 5,000 detonators and eight rolls of fuse were seized.

“Altogether 1,525 kg of explosives were seized within the operation,” Iangrai said.

A case has been registered under the Explosives Act and other relevant sections, he said, adding that an investigation is underway.