TURA: Three suspected militants who went inside a village market in Gambegre to conduct an extortion drive landed up on a hospital bed in Tura civil hospital with serious injuries after angry villagers attacked them.
The three men whom police claim are members of the banned GNLA entered Amindagre village under Gambegre block on Wednesday afternoon with an aim to extort money from traders and villagers alike.When some of the villagers resisted their collection drive one of the militants whipped out an automatic pistol threatening to shoot anyone who stood in their way.
Not to be cowed down, the villagers decided to take on the armed men. They attacked the trio with their bare hands and whatever items they could lay their hands on forcing the suspected militants to flee.
All three were caught up by the pursuing villagers and beaten to pulp before the arrival of police.
The three injured men were shifted to Tura civil hospital with injuries to their hands and legs and upper torso, informed doctors.
They have been identified as Simang Marak (20) and Wakol Ch Marak (21) of Rangsakona village and Gejith Marak (20) of Boldakgre village under Salmanpara.
“All three extortionists are members of the GNLA. We have recovered a loaded pistol from their possession,” stated Tura police.
Frequent extortion drives against innocent villagers in different parts of Garo Hills by militant groups and criminal gangs has led to several clashes in which many extortionists have ended up being lynched by infuriated mobs in the last couple of months.