The members of the gang.

Meghalaya police have arrested a former Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militant and six others in West Garo Hills district for their alleged involvement in the abduction of a vehicle owner two days back.

Police said the seven-member gang allegedly abducted the owner of a Mahindra pick-up vehicle from Romba Adingre village in West Garo Hills district on June 23.

He was subsequently eleased after payment of ransom the following day.

“Our sources revealed that the abducted person was released in the evening on June 24 after payment of ransom. Operations were intensified to nab the accused, leading to the arrest of the seven-member gang,” said West Garo Hills SP MGR Kumar.

A carbine, three Chinese-made pistols, four magazines, two live grenades, live ammunition, two mobile phones, along with cash, were recovered from the arrested gang members.

“The accused have been forwarded to the court. A case has been registered at the Tura Police Station in this regard,” the SP said.