Organizing Secretary of Lawei Ba Phyrnai arrested

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 14, 2022

The Meghalaya Police on Wednesday arrested the organising Secretary of Lawei Baphyrnai who exagarated to be a “tech expert software engineer”.

The “Lawei ba Phyrnai” emerged in the scene with first email on 1.04.2022 to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya informing the formation of a “terror outfit” comprising of 37 “well qualified and talented jobless youth.” The email further claimed to have “free sponsored arms and ammunition” and threatened to plant bombs in various educational institutions. Considering the seriousness of the threats, a case was registered in Crime Branch Police Station, Shillong and the matter was investigated.

On 7.04.2022, another email was sent by the Publicity Secretary, Lawei ba Phyrnai, where the sender claimed to be a school teacher whose contract was terminated. The sender also placed the “1st Demand” of the group “Lawei ba Phyrnai” where it demanded the release of Julius Kitbok Dorphang failing which the group threatened to blow up a lower primary school. Due to the new threat by “Lawei ba Phyrnai” a second case was registered at Cyber Crime Wing Police Station and the matter was investigated.

Several other emails were sent by “Lawei ba Phynai” where the group issued other threats and made several other demands. The emails also claimed that the Organising Secretary of the group is a “tech expert software engineer” and it was futile tracking the members of “Lawei ba Phyrnai.”

Meghalaya Police formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate both the cases. Meghalaya Police also beefed up the security in various educational institutions due to the threat made by “Lawei ba Phyrnai.” The Special Investigation Team investigated all angles of the claim made by “Lawei ba Phyrnai” and analyzed various technical data. Utilizing the technical expertise of the Cyber Crime Wing of Meghalaya Police, the Special Investigation Team was able to indentify one of the accused persons based on technical analysis of several emails sent by “Lawei ba Phyrnai.”

The technical analysis made it clear that the same person was responsible for sending emails on behalf of “Lawei ba Phyrnai.” On 13.04.2022, the main accused in both the cases investigated by Meghalaya Police was arrested from his place of work. Several incriminating materials including the mobile phone used to send the emails were recovered from his possession.

The investigation in both the cases continue.