Four killed in encounter with Meghalaya Police ATS

SHILLIONG, AUG 30: Four armed men were killed in an exchange of fire with police during a naka-checking operation at Songsak area in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district early Sunday, police said.
The encounter took place around 4am, when police conducting the naka allegedly came under fire from the four men as they approached the checkpoint for inspection in Songsak Reserve along the Dagal-Songsak road, Swapnil Pawar Vasantrao, the district police chief of East Garo Hills, said. “Four armed men fired upon police personnel from a Bolero vehicle bearing registration number AS-01-FD-2889 after failing to stop for a security check. In the ensuing exchange of fire, all four suspects sustained injuries and later succumbed to them,” Vasantrao said.
During the exchange, the police vehicle also sustained bullet damage.
He said the deceased have been identified as Allason Marak of North Garo Hills district, Sustom Rabha, Kalam Ali and Bobidul Islam of Assam’s Goalpara districts Vasantrao said that Marak is reportedly a key accused in the recent Damra firing incident in which a businessperson was killed, while Rabha faces criminal cases across Assam and Meghalaya, in particular at the Dudhnoi, Mendipathar, and Dadenggre police stations, including cases relating to robbery, abduction, kidnapping, and offences under the Arms Act.
Kalam Ali faced criminal cases connected with the Krishnai PS case under sections involving abduction, extortion, assault, and wrongful restraint, the police official said. Police recovered and seized two factory made pistols were from the possession of the deceased miscreants, along with live ammunition and empty shells, Vasantrao said, adding that one of the pistols bears the marking “Beretta”, while the other has illegible markings.
Police said investigation and necessary legal proceedings are being undertaken in accordance with law. Meanwhile, police urged public to refrain from spreading rumors and misinformation and not to believe unverified sources of information. “Meghalaya Police remains committed to maintaining the safety and security of the public and protecting critical infrastructure and personnel operating in the district,” Vasantrao said.