Armed group planned to abduct NHIDCL officials: Police
'Slain criminal was involved in killing businessman in Damra'
Shillong, Aug 30: One of the four armed miscreants shot dead by the police in East Garo Hills was involved in killing a businessman recently. The goons were also planning to abduct NHIDCL officials, according yo the police.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Pawar Swapnil Vasantrao, Superintendent of Police, East Garo Hills said one of the miscreants Allason Marak, resident of Mendima, under North Garo Hills, is a key accused in the recent Damra firing incident in which a businessperson was killed.
Full text of the statement below
Based on credible source information regarding the movement of armed miscreants towards Songsak, East Garo Hills, with an alleged intention to abduct officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for ransom, a joint police team comprising and led by the officers and personnel Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) along with East Garo Hills District Police and Songsak Police Station was deployed to intercept the suspected persons.
Acting on the information, the police team established a naka/checking point at Songsak Reserve along the Dagal-Songsak road during the early hours of 30 August 2026. At approximately 4:00 AM, a Bolero vehicle bearing registration number AS-01-FD-2889 was noticed approaching Songsak. The vehicle was signalled to stop for checking. However, on noticing the police personnel, the occupants opened fire on the police team using firearms. The police team immediately responded in self-defence, resulting in a brief exchange of fire. During the exchange, the police vehicle also sustained bullet damage.
After the firing ceased, the vehicle was checked and four seriously injured persons were found inside. The injured persons were immediately evacuated to Songsak PHC for medical attention and were subsequently referred to Williamnagar Civil Hospital. On arrival at Williamnagar Civil Hospital, all four persons were declared brought dead by the attending Medical Officer.
The deceased have been identified as:
1. Allason Marak, resident of Mendima, under North Garo Hills. He is reportedly a key accused in the recent Damra firing incident in which a businessperson was killed.
2. Sustom Rabha, a resident of Goalpara, Assam. His criminal antecedents include cases registered across Assam and Meghalaya, in particular at Dudhnoi, Mendipathar and Dadenggre Police Stations, including cases relating to robbery, abduction, kidnapping and offences under the Arms Act.
3. Kalam Ali, a resident of Goalpara, Assam, was also connected with Krishnai PS Case under sections of Abduction, Extortion, Assault, Wrongful restraining.
4. Bobidul Islam, a resident of Goalpara, Assam.
Notably, two factory made firearms (pistols) were recovered and seized from the possession of the deceased miscreants, along with live as well as used rounds of ammunition, which were used during attack on the Police team. One of the pistols bears the marking “Beretta”. Another one has illegible markings.
Further investigation and necessary legal proceedings are being undertaken in accordance with law. The circumstances leading to the exchange of fire, the firearms and ammunition recovered, and other relevant evidences are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
It is urged that public should 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.
Pawar Swapnil Vasantrao, IPS Superintendent of Police,
East Garo Hills District, Meghalaya.
Dated Williamnagar the 30th August, 2026.
