Arunachal Pradesh police arrested four men involved in a series of highway robberies along NH-415, bringing relief to commuters and local residents who had been living in fear due to the increasing number of lootings in the area. The arrests were made during a coordinated operation conducted by a special team of the Itanagar Police under the direction of senior officials.
The suspects had reportedly posed as government or law enforcement officials, using fake identification and vehicles to deceive victims. They stopped vehicles under the pretext of inspection and then robbed them of their valuables. Their activities had disrupted traffic flow and created panic among drivers, especially during nighttime travel.
Police began tracking the gang after receiving multiple complaints from highway travelers and transporters who reported being stopped and threatened near isolated stretches of the road. After days of surveillance and intelligence gathering, law enforcement officials identified the hideout where the accused were believed to be operating from.
During the operation, police recovered several stolen items, including mobile phones, wallets, and ID cards, as well as fake police uniforms and equipment. The accused reportedly confessed to their involvement in multiple incidents and shared details about their modus operandi. Officials have confirmed that all four men are from nearby areas and have previous criminal records, with one of them already facing charges in a similar case from last year.
Authorities stated that the gang targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly drivers of small passenger vehicles and lone travelers. They often chose poorly lit or isolated segments of NH-415 to strike and used fear tactics to overpower their victims before escaping.
Superintendent of Police Jimmy Chiram praised the swift and coordinated efforts of the investigation team. He said the arrests send a clear message that criminal activities on highways will not be tolerated. He also urged the public to immediately report any suspicious behavior on the road to help prevent further incidents.
The case has drawn attention to the need for better lighting, increased patrolling, and surveillance infrastructure along NH-415, which connects key locations in Arunachal Pradesh and serves as a lifeline for both passenger and commercial traffic.
Police have assured that patrolling on this stretch of the highway will now be intensified. More checkpoints will be set up to monitor suspicious movement, especially during night hours. A dedicated helpline number has also been activated for travelers facing any emergency or unusual activity on the highway.
Local residents and commuters welcomed the police action and expressed relief that the criminals were brought to justice. Some shopkeepers and transporters who frequently operate on NH-415 said they had been avoiding certain routes after dark due to fear of robbery. With the arrests, they now hope for a safer travel experience.
State authorities emphasized the importance of public cooperation in crime prevention. They called on citizens to remain alert and report unlawful behavior without hesitation. Awareness campaigns are also being planned in collaboration with community groups to educate drivers and locals on highway safety protocols.
Investigators are now probing whether the gang was linked to a wider network operating in the Northeast region. Forensic teams are analyzing evidence seized from the suspects to trace their previous movements and accomplices, if any.
The arrested individuals are currently in police custody and will face multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code, including robbery, impersonation, criminal intimidation, and possession of forged documents. Police are preparing a watertight case to ensure the culprits face the full extent of the law.
The crackdown on NH-415 highway robbers stands as a major success for Arunachal Pradesh police and reaffirms the state’s commitment to securing its transport corridors. Authorities have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy toward any form of organized crime that endangers public safety.
