According to a press release issued by Superintendent of Police of East Garo Hills, Pawar Swapnil Vasantrao, the encounter took place at around 4am at Songsak Reserve along the Dagal-Songsak road.
Based on credible information about movement of armed miscreants towards Songsak, a joint team comprising Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and East Garo Hills District Police and Songsak Police Station had set up a checkpoint to intercept them.
At about 4am, an Assam-registered Bolero (AS 01FD 2889) approaching Songsak was signalled to stop. Police said the occupants opened fire on the police team, who in turn retaliated in self-defence, resulting in a brief exchange of fire. The police vehicle also sustained bullet damage.
After the firing ceased, four seriously injured persons were found inside the vehicle. They were evacuated to Songsak Primary Health Centre and subsequently referred to Williamnagar Civil Hospital, where they were declared brought dead.
The deceased have been identified as Allason Marak, a resident of Mendima under North Garo Hills, who is reportedly a key accused in the recent Damra firing incident in which a businessperson was killed; Sustom Rabha, whose criminal antecedents include cases registered across Assam and Meghalaya, particularly at Dudhnoi, Mendipathar and Dadenggre Police Stations relating to robbery, abduction, kidnapping and offences under the Arms Act; Kalam Ali, who was also connected with a Krishnai PS case under abduction, extortion, assault and wrongful restraint; and Bobidul Islam. The last three were all residents of Goalpara, Assam.
Police recovered two factory-made pistols, one bearing marking “Beretta” and another with illegible markings, along with live and used rounds used during the attack on the police team.
Further investigation and necessary legal proceedings are being undertaken. Police said circumstances leading to the exchange of fire, firearms recovered and other evidence are being examined. The district police have urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours and not to believe unverified sources.
