Assam Police bust inter-state vehicle syndicate in Ledo, key accused held; over 100 cars sold fraudulently

A dangerous interstate vehicle syndicate has been exposed in Assam, where unsuspecting vehicle owners were lured into fraudulent deals, only to see their vehicles sold off in other states without consent. 

Acting on multiple complaints, police in Ledo under Margherita co-district have arrested one accused identified as Dipak Jha, a non-Assamese youth, alleged to be a key member of the syndicate.

According to police, the modus operandi involved targeting owners of four-wheelers, particularly Bolero pickup vehicles, with promises of paying bank EMIs or monthly rentals. Syndicate members would sign agreements, offer advance payments, and keep up with instalments for a few months to gain trust. Thereafter, the vehicles would be diverted and sold through fraudulent transfers in other states.

The racket came to light after more than 30 complaints were lodged against the accused. During a late-night operation on Tuesday, Ledo police apprehended Dipak Jha in Tinsukia and recovered details of several illegally transferred vehicles. Victims, mostly young vehicle owners, rushed to the Ledo police outpost on Wednesday in hopes of recovering their vehicles.

Also Read: DSU Karbi Anglong demands swift justice after sexual assault of 12-year-old girl by headmaster

Police sources revealed that over 100 vehicles have already been collected and sold by the syndicate across state borders. Apart from Jha, a woman is also suspected to be involved and has reportedly been absconding with several vehicles for a long time. Investigators suspect that an influential network of car dealers is backing the entire operation, making it a highly organised racket.

“This is a new, daring tactic by vehicle syndicates. We are probing deeper into the network, and more arrests will follow,” a police officer said.

The bust has sent shockwaves among vehicle owners, who now fear falling into similar traps. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious while renting or leasing vehicles and to verify agreements thoroughly before handing over ownership documents or keys.