Police in West Garo Hills were ambushed by a group of armed men late on Sunday night; the body of one of the suspected attackers was later recovered by the authorities along with arms and ammunition. The man’s identity has not been ascertained.
Police were tipped off about a gang of kidnappers who were reportedly planning to abduct businessmen in and around Dadenggre. As a result, police field units were ordered to remain on high alert and inspect vehicles travelling through the area, the Superintendent of Police, VS Rathore, said.
One police patrol was ambushed by three to five armed men at Magalpara village at around 1:15am. A police Gypsy was riddled with bullets and the police team returned fire, leading to a five-minute gun battle.
When the firing ended, the area was secured and information on the battle was passed to the District Magistrate and other officials. The area was searched after the arrival of the Executive Magistrate. The body of a man with several bullet wounds was found, along with weapons and explosives. The search and seizure, police said, was made in the presence of independent witnesses and the magistrate, according to procedure.
The arms included an assault rifle and magazine, three non-electric detonators, four gelatine sticks, 34 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 45 spent 7.62mm casings, 22 spent 9mm casings and a 2 metre-long safety fuse for explosives, among other items.
An autopsy was performed on the dead body at Tura Civil Hospital after completion of legal formalities. A case has been registered at Dadenggre police station under the Arms Act.
