Secret thieves’ meeting in Silchar busted, 21 in police custody

In the early hours of Wednesday (February 12), a gathering of the thieves’ association of Silchar (unofficial) was underway in the Rangirkhari area. The meeting aimed to discuss jurisdiction, operational boundaries, and a so-called Standard Operating Procedure (SoP). Acting on intelligence, Cachar Police launched a crackdown, arresting five alleged thieves on the spot. Further investigation led to the arrest of 21 individuals in total, and several stolen items—including an e-rickshaw, LED TVs, and water pumps—were recovered.

Silchar has been grappling with a sharp rise in theft and burglary incidents, prompting Cachar Police to intensify their efforts. After multiple complaints and thorough investigations, the recent operation marked a major breakthrough in tackling organised crime. The crackdown targeted several areas, including Rangirkhari, Rangpur, Malugram, Ghungoor, and the National Highway, leading to the arrest of 21 habitual offenders.

Under the close supervision of ASP (Crime) and the guidance of Superintendent of Police (SP) Numal Mahatta, three special teams were formed for the operation. The teams were headed by DySP (Hq), DySP (S&I), and DySP (B) and included three inspectors, along with additional police personnel. Following a detailed briefing at the Sadar Police Station, the teams successfully executed the crackdown across multiple locations in Silchar.

Speaking about the operation, Cachar SP Numal Mahatta said, “Locals have been complaining about the rampant theft and burglary incidents in the Silchar town area, which have been severely impacting the community. In response, we organised a special operation last night and took action. Three teams were formed, briefed, and deployed to conduct raids in various areas under the Sadar Police Station’s jurisdiction, leading to the arrest of 21 thieves. They have been involved in multiple theft cases in the past. During interrogation, we recovered several stolen items, including an e-rickshaw, three TVs, Android mobiles, and various other valuables.”

The operation was triggered by intelligence reports about a clandestine meeting of thieves in the Rangirkhari area, where the group was allegedly discussing jurisdictional boundaries and operational strategies to avoid conflicts among themselves. Acting on this information, police launched a raid at the meeting spot, arresting several individuals who later provided leads that resulted in further arrests and recoveries.

Cachar SP further stated, “Last night, we also received intel about a secret meeting of thieves at Rangirkhari. They were discussing their area of operation, deciding who could steal where and ensuring no external interference in their territories. We acted on this information and launched an operation, arresting multiple suspects from the meeting. These individuals led us to a total of 21 arrests. Upon interrogating three groups of thieves, we recovered a large cache of stolen goods.”

“The responsibility for Silchar’s safety is in our hands, and we will continue our efforts to curb theft and burglary. Citizens are encouraged to come forward, identify their stolen items, and reclaim them”, concluded Mahatta.

The arrested individuals, all habitual offenders, are primarily from the Cachar district, with one individual hailing from Tripura. The arrested include:

1. Bipon Uddin Mazumdar @ Lal, S/O Late Riaz Uddin Mazumdar of BarengaPr-III, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
2. Rafik Uddin Laskar, Madhurbond, Silchar, Cachar
3. Ajim Uddin Laskar @ Kala, S/O Anowar Uddin Laskar, Bethukandi, Silchar
4. Rana Miya @ Kalon, S/O Mamon Mia of Madhurbond, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
5. Binod Das, S/O Benu Das of Kalibari Char Gata Colony, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
6. Ripod Das, S/O Benu Das of Kalibari Char Gata Colony, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
7. Dulal Uddin Khan, S/O Late Mozir Uddin Khan of Madhurbond END Bandh, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
8. Bishal Saha, S/O Biswanath Saha of Bilpar Padma Nagar, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
9. Roni Roy, S/O Late Ratan Kr. Roy of Saratpally, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
10. Krishna Mondi Das, S/O Digendra Das of Kumarghat, P.S-Kumarghat Ratiabari, Dist.- North Tripura, Tripura
11. Bappan Laskar, 24 years, S/O Late Moynul Laskar of Ambikapur Pt. VI, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
12. Bishnu Nunia, 25 years, S/O Ramdulal Nunia of Fakirtilla, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
13. Bijoy Das, 24 years, S/O Mohan Das of Meherpur, Quarpar Pt. X, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
14. Tapash Das, 22 years, S/O Sankar Das, R/O Sisumandir Road, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
15. Amin Uddin Barlaskar, 43 years, S/O Late Fazlul Haque Barlaskar of Hatirhar Pt II, Srikona, P.S-Silchar, Dist. Cachar
16. Ishad Ali, 34 years old, S/O Late Ismail Ali of Vill Srikona, Pt. III, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
17. Salae Ahmed Barbhuiya, 55 years, S/O Abul Kuddus Barbhuiya of Salchapra Grant, P.S-Silchar, Cachar
18. Islam Uddin Barbhuiya, 38 years, S/O Late Mabibar Rahman Barbhuiya of Ramnagar, Tarapur Pt. VI, P.S-Silchar, Dist. Cachar
19. Manu Laskar, S/O Late Motin Uddin Mazumdar, R/O Ramkrishna Pally Malugram, P.S-Silchar, Dist. Cachar
20. Jakir Hussain Laskar alias Leikha, S/O Idor Ali Laskar of Kashipur Pt-I, P.S-Silchar

Cachar Police have assured that their crackdown on theft and burglary in Silchar will continue. They urge residents to report any suspicious activity and assist in identifying stolen items recovered during the operation.