Shillong, Sept 5: In a dramatic security operation, Meghalaya Police on Friday evening arrested one Meban Snaitang along with 12 associates for allegedly impersonating law enforcement personnel. The group was detained near the Main Secretariat in Shillong after air guns, walkie-talkies, and black uniforms were recovered from their possession.
According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem, at around 2:30 pm police personnel noticed three suspicious vehicles - a red Audi A4 without a registration number, a black Toyota Innova, and a Mahindra Scorpio - parked opposite the Secretariat with tinted glasses. One of the vehicles was also fitted with a siren.
On inspection, 12 men dressed in black fatigues, resembling security personnel, were found inside. The Special Operations Team (SOT) was immediately rushed to the spot. A search of the vehicles led to the seizure of five air guns, two air pistols, six magazine pouches, five walkie-talkie sets, and black uniforms.
“All the individuals were taken to Sadar Police Station for formalities, and the items were seized. A case will be registered against them for impersonating as law enforcement personnel and under provisions of the Arms Act,” SP Syiem said. He added that further searches are being conducted to determine if other incriminating items are linked to the case.
The SP further clarified that the seized firearms were not conventional air guns. “These air guns and pistols need to be sent to the Forensic Laboratory for verification of their caliber. Carrying such weapons publicly is not permissible,” he noted.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Snaitang, a resident of Pohkseh, Shillong, was projecting himself as a person of influence. “It appears that Snaitang was carrying these men to intimidate or create an impression of power,” Syiem remarked, terming the incident a potential security breach near the Secretariat.
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Before being taken into custody, Snaitang told reporters that he was a social worker and leader of a group, claiming that the seized weapons were only air guns. “These are air guns. Is there any rule for the Government of Meghalaya to seize air guns? We have not disturbed the public or anyone,” he asserted, questioning the state’s authority.
Police, however, maintained that the group’s conduct and possession of tactical gear amounted to impersonation and posed a serious threat to public security. Investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the group’s activities.
