ITANAGAR, Jul 5: In a significant breakthrough, a special team of Aalo Police, apprehended a wanted criminal, from the Amtum area of Aalo, the district headquarters, during the intervening night of July 4.
21-year-old Hobibullah Islam, was wanted in connection with a serious criminal case originating from Raland Police Station in Wokha district of Nagaland, police said.
The arrest was made by a team led by sub-inspector Nending Kojing, officer-in-charge of Aalo Police Station, along with SIs G Chapi and L John, and constable I Ango, under the close supervision of West Siang superintendent of police Kardak Riba.
The operation was launched following a tip-off from the SDPO of Bhandari under Wokha district of the neighbouring state, who informed SP Riba about the likely presence of the fugitive in Aalo.
A photograph of the suspect was shared, prompting the swift formation of a police team, which began combing suspected locations across Aalo town, Riba said on Saturday.
Acting on both human intelligence and technical inputs, the police located Hobibullah working as a mason in the Amtum area. He attempted to flee upon sensing police presence but was quickly apprehended.
Initial interrogation revealed that Hobibullah, along with an accomplice, was allegedly involved in a case of abduction and murder in November 2024 and had been evading arrest ever since.
While his co-accused fled to Kerala and was arrested there, Hobibullah initially took shelter in Namsai district in Arunachal Pradesh, before moving to Aalo in May 2025 where he continued to work as a labourer.
Following his arrest, Hobibullah was handed over to a team of Nagaland Police for further legal proceedings.
Riba, has once again urged the public to conduct proper verification of antecedents and character for all labourers and workers hired from outside the state.
“Despite repeated appeals, people continue to engage unverified individuals, sometimes unknowingly employing criminals,” the SP warned, calling the incident an eye-opener for all.
