Shillong, April 14: The Meghalaya Police informed that on 1.04.2022, an email addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya was sent by a group “LaweibaPhyrnai” where the sender claimed to have formed a “terror outfit” comprising of 37 “well qualified and talented jobless youth.”
The email further claimed to have “free sponsored arms and ammunition” and threatened to plant bombs in various educational institutions. Considering the seriousness of the threats, a case was registered in Crime Branch Police Station, Shillong and the matter was investigated.
On 7.04.2022, another email was sent by the Publicity Secretary, LaweibaPhyrnai, where the sender claimed to be a school teacher whose contract was terminated.
The sender also placed the “1st Demand” of the group “LaweibaPhyrnai” where it demanded the release of Julius Kitbok Dorphang failing which the group threatened to blow up a lower primary school. Due to the new threat by “LaweibaPhyrnai” a second case was registered at Cyber Crime Wing Police Station and the matter was investigated.
Several other emails were sent by “LaweibaPhynai” where the group issued other threats and made several other demands. The emails also claimed that the Organising Secretary of the group is a “tech expert software engineer” and it was futile tracking the members of “LaweibaPhyrnai.”
Meghalaya Police formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate both the cases. Meghalaya Police also beefed up the security in various educational institutions due to the threat made by “LaweibaPhyrnai.”
The Special Investigation Team investigated all angles of the claim made by “LaweibaPhyrnai” and analyzed various technical data. Utilizing the technical expertise of the Cyber Crime Wing of Meghalaya Police, the Special Investigation Team was able to identify one of the accused persons based on technical analysis of several emails sent by “LaweibaPhyrnai.”
The technical analysis made it clear that the same person was responsible for sending emails on behalf of “LaweibaPhyrnai.” On 13.04.2022, the main accused in both the cases investigated by Meghalaya Police was arrested from his place of work.
Several incriminating materials including the mobile phone used to send the emails were recovered from his possession. The investigation in both the cases continue.
