Police engage in operation after reports of armed gang moving in Goalpara district
In a recent incident in Assam’s Goalpara district, four suspected members of an armed gang were killed during a gunfight with the police on Sunday morning. The confrontation occurred in the Dhupdhara region, as reported by The Indian Express. According to police sources, the deceased individuals were identified as Mukunda Rabha, Subur Ali, Zahidul Islam, and Chengbat Marak.
Senior Superintendent of Police Nabaneet Mahanta provided details to The Indian Express regarding the circumstances leading up to the encounter. He stated that barricades had been established to inspect vehicles after the police received intelligence indicating that armed gangsters were active in the area. “For quite a few days, there was information that some criminal gang with arms has been on the move in the area at the border of Assam and Meghalaya,” Mahanta noted.
On the morning of the incident, police received further information suggesting that the alleged gang was moving towards the vicinity with a potential kidnapping in mind. Mahanta elaborated that the gang was travelling in a vehicle and, upon noticing the police presence, attempted to retreat. However, when they realized they could not escape, they opened fire on the police officers.
The police, acting in self-defense, returned fire. Following the exchange, four individuals were found injured inside the vehicle and were promptly transported to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. The police reported recovering four pistols, five mobile phones, two walkie-talkie sets, and cartridges from the scene, indicating a significant police operation against the armed gang.
The situation in Assam has been tense, especially since Himanta Biswa Sarma took office as chief minister in May 2021. There have been multiple incidents of police shootings during this period, with many of the victims belonging to the state’s ethnic and religious minorities. The police have consistently defended their actions, asserting that the individuals killed were either attempting to flee or posed a threat to the officers during these encounters.
Such incidents continue to raise questions regarding police practices and accountability, particularly in the context of rising violence and the handling of armed groups in the region. The police’s approach has come under scrutiny, and discussions about the balance between law enforcement and community safety remain ongoing.
