Shillong: Four armed men suspected to be members of an inter-state gang of dacoits were killed during an encounter with Meghalaya Police’s anti-terrorism squad (ATS) at Songsak in East Garo Hills early Sunday.The incident took place on the Songsak-Dakal road around 4am after the four allegedly opened fire from inside a vehicle at police personnel, who were manning the checkpoint, prompting retaliatory fire in self-defence, district SP Swapnil Pawar Vasantrao said.“They opened fire on the police team who were on ‘naka’ duty. In the ensuing counter-fire, four persons in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were immediately shifted to PHC in Songsak. Later, they were referred to Williamnagar civil hospital, where they were declared brought dead,” the SP said.The deceased were identified as Alachon Marak of North Garo Hills; Kalam Sheikh of Agia; Bhabidul Islam of Krishnai; and Sustam Rabha., alias Kaltu, of Dudhnoi.Police suspect Alachon Marak’s involvement in the attempted abduction and shooting of Dudhnoi-based businessman Abu Sayed at Damra along the Meghalaya-Assam border on August 23.“These armed attackers had strong suspected criminal antecedents and it has also been learnt that the recent incident that happened across the state border in Damra, these people were suspected to be involved in that,” Vasantrao said.Police are investigating the alleged criminal antecedents of the deceased and their suspected movement into Meghalaya from neighbouring states.
