West Garo Hills police rescued a cattle trader, who had been kidnapped by miscreants with one of the accused being killed in an exchange of fire with cops.
Ruvi Hussain was kidnapped by three miscreants while transporting cattle near Dananggre Songma forest reserve on March 20, police said.
Soon after an information was received at Damal A·sim PS, a team was formed to trace the abductors and rescue the trader. The police team and SF-10 commandos successfully located the hideout of the armed miscreants at Dipogre A·sim Chiring in the wee hours of March 21.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Abraham T Sangma said, “When the police team reached the forest reserve, the unknown miscreants opened fire and police had to exchange gunfire in self-defence wherein two kidnappers were injured.”
Two of the injured kidnappers were identified as Sengchuang M Sangma and Raksan M. Marak. The latter succumbed to his injuries after he was referred to Tura Civil Hospital from Dadenggre PHC.
Another kidnapper identified as Chingsan M. Marak was subsequently arrested.
Police recovered a country made shotgun, a small puma bag and a knife.
“We urge the public to stay vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities, movement of unknown persons or unlawful gatherings to the nearest Police station or contact the Police Control Room, Tura at 8837423053 and 9089199064”, Sangma said.
The SP has advised the general public, businessmen, traders and transporters to exercise caution while moving around interior places, avoid isolated routes and seek police assistance if needed.