In a swift crackdown on rising vehicle-related crimes, Arunachal Pradesh police have busted an interstate theft racket operating brazenly within the secure premises of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS). Three members of the gang have been arrested, while a fourth accomplice remains at large, as investigations intensify to dismantle the network.
The breakthrough came after a formal complaint was filed on November 19, 2025, detailing multiple break-ins and thefts from vehicles parked on the hospital campus. Vigilant CCTV surveillance played a pivotal role, capturing footage of a suspect loitering suspiciously near parked cars and attempting unauthorized access. This evidence led to the rapid identification and apprehension of the culprits.
Dramatic Arrests and Gang Modus Operandi
The first arrest unfolded in an unusual turn when Md. Anwar Hussain (29), a key suspect, was caught red-handed masquerading as a patient on a hospital bed to evade detection. Constable Ganesh Upadhyay of the TRIHMS Outpost swiftly detained him, marking the operation’s unconventional yet effective start.
Interrogation of Hussain revealed the involvement of two more accomplices, leading to coordinated raids. Md. Sheikh (33) and Jakir Hussain (20) were nabbed from Panchayat Colony by a team led by Sub-Inspector Vivek Linggi, SI Niri Rama, and Head Constable Lham Tsering.
All three arrested individuals hail from Lakhimpur district in Assam:
- Md. Anwar Hussain: Son of Ramjan Ali, resident of Fatehpur, Laluk PS, Lakhimpur, Assam.
- Md. Sheikh: Son of Late Suleman Sheikh, resident of Dharmopur No.1, Laluk PS, Lakhimpur, Assam.
- Jakir Hussain: Son of Kobber Hussain, resident of Karunabari, Laluk PS, Lakhimpur, Assam.
The gang’s operations targeted high-footfall areas such as hospitals, markets, offices, and residential zones. They specialized in opportunistic thefts, preying on unlocked vehicles or those with slightly ajar windows to pilfer cash, valuables, and personal items without causing visible damage. The TRIHMS campus, with its steady influx of visitors and staff, proved an ideal hunting ground for the group.
Official Response and Public Advisory
Superintendent of Police (ICR) Dr. Nyelam Nega, APPS, commended the team’s prompt action and issued a strong advisory to the public:
“We urge vehicle owners to always lock their cars properly, avoid leaving valuables inside, and remain vigilant. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or by dialing 112. Together, we can make our public spaces safer.”
The arrests highlight vulnerabilities in security at public institutions like TRIHMS, where the focus on healthcare often overshadows parking lot surveillance. No specific recoveries of stolen items were mentioned, but police have intensified interrogations to trace the gang’s previous hauls and potential fences.
Ongoing Manhunt and Broader Implications
Efforts are underway to apprehend the fourth fugitive member, whose identity and whereabouts are under active surveillance. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, with further probes into the gang’s interstate links and possible involvement in similar thefts across the capital region.
This bust serves as a reminder of the growing menace of organized vehicle thefts in urban Arunachal, often linked to cross-border elements from neighboring Assam. Authorities have stepped up patrols around sensitive sites, including medical facilities, to prevent recurrence.
The operation underscores the Arunachal Pradesh Police’s commitment to leveraging technology like CCTV and community intelligence for proactive policing, ensuring safer environments for residents and visitors alike.
(Source: India Today NE)
