Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR : Itanagar Police have arrested the alleged kingpin of an interstate stolen vehicle syndicate operating between Delhi and Arunachal Pradesh, prompting the reopening of a year-old case to trace more stolen vehicles and identify other members of the network.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Itanagar Superintendent of Police (SP) Jumbo Basar informed that the accused, identified as Mohammad Sablu of Uttar Pradesh, had been absconding for nearly a year in connection with Itanagar Police Station Case No. 102/2025.

Basar said that although the case had already been charge-sheeted, Sablu’s arrest has opened fresh leads, necessitating further investigation into the racket.

The SP informed that Sablu allegedly procured stolen vehicles from Delhi, forged or manipulated registration and ownership documents, and transported the vehicles to Arunachal Pradesh, where they were sold through an organised network.

The accused was arrested during an operation led by SDPO Itanagar Savan Chara and Inspector Kenter Tacha. He is currently in police custody, he added

Police are now pursuing fresh leads to ascertain whether more stolen vehicles were brought into the state and whether additional persons were involved in the interstate syndicate, Basar said.

Basar also informed that investigators have so far identified around 75 stolen vehicles linked to the racket. Nearly 70 per cent of the vehicles have already been disposed of in accordance with legal procedures.

Basar further stated that genuine owners who produce valid proof of ownership would be extended full cooperation in reclaiming their vehicles.

“The investigation remains underway, with efforts focused on tracing the remaining vehicles, identifying any additional members of the interstate stolen vehicle syndicate, and examining all aspects of the case,” the SP said.

He added that police expect further breakthroughs as the investigation progresses.