Mon Police has uncovered an alleged inter-state network involved in the theft, transportation and disposal of stolen vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, following a sustained operation by its Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad (AVTS).
The operation began with the identification of more than 50 vehicles in Mon Town whose ownership records and supporting documents were found to be doubtful, incomplete or otherwise requiring verification.
According to Mon Police, detailed enquiries subsequently established that more than 30 of the vehicles were reportedly linked to theft cases registered in neighbouring States, including Assam districts such as Jorhat, Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sivasagar, as well as a district in Arunachal Pradesh.
Taking suo motu initiative, the AVTS contacted the concerned police stations in the neighbouring States and shared details of the suspected vehicles for verification. After ownership records, FIR particulars and other documentary evidence were confirmed, the concerned police authorities were invited to Mon to complete the necessary legal formalities.
The recovered vehicles were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners or the concerned police authorities in accordance with due procedure.
Mon Police said some of the cases had reportedly remained undetected for four to five years, despite efforts by the police authorities concerned. The detection of the vehicles through independent verification and detailed enquiry by Mon Police has helped revive several long-pending cases, highlighting the importance of proactive policing, inter-state coordination and systematic verification.
The breakthrough has also shed light on a suspected modus operandi in which vehicles allegedly stolen in Assam are transported to Nagaland and disposed of at comparatively low prices.
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Villagers and unsuspecting buyers are reportedly among the primary targets. The stolen vehicles are allegedly marketed 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 may have prompted some buyers to purchase the vehicles without insisting on genuine ownership documents or conducting proper verification.
Preliminary investigation has further indicated the suspected involvement of Nagaland-based middlemen, who allegedly facilitate the sale of stolen vehicles by identifying prospective buyers and receiving commissions.
Details and available intelligence concerning the suspected Assam-based vehicle thieves have been shared with the concerned police authorities in Assam. Meanwhile, Mon Police is continuing its investigation to identify and apprehend the suspected local intermediaries and dismantle the wider network involved in the illegal disposal of stolen vehicles.
Police caution second-hand vehicle buyers
Mon Police has urged the public, particularly those purchasing second-hand motorcycles and other vehicles, to exercise extreme caution.
It advised prospective buyers not to be lured by unusually low prices and to verify the vehicle’s registration particulars, ownership documents, chassis and engine numbers, and theft status through appropriate official channels before completing any transaction.
