Guwahati: At least one more suspect was killed and another injured in two separate encounters by the Assam Police, adding to the rising number of shootouts by the force since the BJP government assumed power.
The latest encounters took place in Golaghat and Cachar districts of Assam.
The first incident happened at Kaziranga National Park where a suspected rhino poacher was killed when Golaghat police and a CRPF squad conducted an operation based on specific information regarding persons involved in recent rhino poaching.
Addressing the media, the district’s Superintendent of Police Sumeet Sharma stated,
“Around 3 am, some youths started running after seeing our search party. They did not listen to us and started firing. Our side also returned the fire,” he said When the firing stopped, the security team searched the area and found one grievously injured person.
“While being taken to a hospital, he gave a statement to the police about his and his accomplices’ involvement in the rhino poaching. He died before reaching the hospital. A pistol was seized from him,” Sharma added.
The second incident took place at Dhonehori village under Sonai police station of Cachar district one alleged dacoit suffered bullet injuries after being shot at by the police on Wednesday night.
According to reports, the suspected dacoit was arrested last night.
During interrogation, he stated that he only possessed one pistol, which he kept in a Salchapra area.
Officials informed that he was accompanied by a police squad that proceeded to the spot and found the weapon, which was loaded with live bullets.
According to the official, the accused allegedly assaulted police officers and sought to run when the team returned.
It may be mentioned that the suspect sustained leg injuries. He is currently receiving treatment at Silchar Medical College and Hospital.
However, the rising number of encounters has whipped up since the BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took power, 33 individuals have been killed and at least 69 have been injured in police action while reportedly attempting to flee from custody or attacking officers.