PALIN : Kra-Daadi District Police has busted an inter-state stolen vehicle racket and recovered 15 stolen SUVs during an investigation into two cases registered at Palin Police Station.

The recovered vehicles include two Toyota Fortuners, two Mahindra Thars, one Mahindra Scorpio, six Hyundai Cretas, two Kia Seltos, one Hyundai Alcazar and one Hyundai Venue.

Two cases were registered in connection with the racket—Palin PS Case No. 02/2026 under Sections 317(2), 340(2) and 111(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Palin PS Case No. 09/2026 under Sections 318(4) and 316(3) BNS.

A total of 11 accused persons were arrested during the investigation and subsequently charge-sheeted.

For an effective probe, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the leadership of DySP Headquarters Mape Zirdo, with Palin Police Station Officer-in-Charge SI Nong Jongkey and Investigating Officer SI Nalotong Jamoh as members.

The SIT conducted raids at multiple locations and hideouts across Itanagar Capital Region, Papum Pare, Kra-Daadi, Kurung Kumey and neighbouring Assam. After several attempts, the team arrested the alleged kingpin of the inter-state racket, Jahangir Alam, from Barpeta in Assam on August 6. He had reportedly been evading arrest since January.

The district police appealed to people to remain vigilant and verify vehicle documents thoroughly before purchasing or entering into any vehicle deal. It cautioned the public against falling prey to fraudulent vehicle transactions and unscrupulous elements.

“Alertness and right information is the best way to be safe,” the police said in a statement.