2 armed kidnappers shot dead in West Garo Hills, victims rescued

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 10, 2022

Meghalaya police on Thursday shot dead two armed kidnappers and rescued two persons during an operation at Dibru Hill Reserve forest in West Garo Hills district.

The kidnappers had demanded Rs 30 lakhs for the release of the two persons including a minor. One of the victims, a resident of Guwahati, was a taxi driver who went missing since November 4.

On November 9, police from Goalpara in Assam had informed Meghalaya police that a child was kidnapped and kept in West Garo Hills district.

District superintendent of police Vivekanand Singh said based on findings of investigation, a counter-insurgency operation was launched yesterday.

He said the ops team led by SP(T) and consisting of Addl SP(T), SDPO(D), SDPO(R), CI(S), OC Phulbari, and other officers and subordinate ranks spotted the gang as well as the victims at a place in Dibru Hills Forest Reserve near Bamandanga/Gaptuli.

However, the armed miscreants also saw the Police team. They immediately fired at the Police team which also retaliated in self-defense. The exchange of fire continued for approximately 2-3 minutes.

“Once the exchange of fire stopped, the place of occurrence was cordoned and thoroughly searched during which two unidentified dead bodies were recovered. Both the abducted victims were also rescued,” the SP said.

HE said one AK series rifle and one pistol was also seen lying near the dead bodies.

One camouflage bag was also found with 7.62 mm (23) and 9 mm (9)  ammunition along with other incriminating materials and 19 empty 9 mm and 14 empty 7.62 mm cartridge cases were recovered.