Meghalaya Police arrested 4 members of HNLC’s Sleeper Cell & foiled another IED Blast

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 12, 2024

In a joint operation of police teams from East Khasi Hills District and Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya Police busted a sleeper cell of proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and foiled their attempt of IED Blast in Khasi Jaintia region.

Police said on Monday at about 6: 00 Pm one vehicle bearing registration number ML- 12-3243 (Bolero Pick-Up) driven by Shri. Damanbha Ripnar was detained at Umsning-Mawhati Road. Ripnar voluntarily disclosed the presence of one IED in his vehicle and it was recovered by Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad (BDDS) from Shillong after observing all the safety protocols.

Police said, till filing of this report one active sleeper cell of HNLC consisting of 4 accused has been busted thereby foiling their attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town. Police asserted the sleeper cell was taking directions from Bangladesh based proscribed HNLC fugitives.

The arrested members of the HNLC Sleeper Cell are Damanbha Ripnar alias Shall Lapang, Robinis Ripnar, Jill Tariang and Shining Nongrum and they are all residents of Ri-Bhoi District only.

Police seized 15 Gelatin Sticks, 167 splinters (shrapnel inside the IED), 1 safety fuse wire, 3 numbers of Non electric Detonators, ML-12-3243 (Bolero Pick-Up and five Mobile Phones.

Nongpoh PS case No. 25(3)2024 U/s 120 B/121 A IPC R/w section 10/13/18 UA(P) Act and 5/6 Explosive Substance Act have been registered against the arrested persons.