TURA: A jail bird who had escaped from Williamnagar district jail a year ago and had been creating terror in Emangre area of South Garo Hills has been shot dead by police in an encounter on Saturday.
Saljagring D Sangma alias Khuda, originally from Warima locality of Williamnagar, had escaped from Williamnagar jail with another convict identified as Dinesh Ch Marak alias Blackboard in 2015.
After their escape they formed a dacoity group and began extorting money in Emangre, Gandagre and other villages in South Garo Hills.
The group was also involved in smuggling of arms to spread terror.
Following intelligence reports about the presence of the group in the forests of Gandagre village, the SWAT commandos launched an operation early Saturday morning.
During the combing operation they came face to face with Saljagring who on seeing the police team opened fire and attempted to escape.
In the exchange of fire Saljagring was shot dead while the others fled from the scene.
Police recovered a 9 mm pistol with four live rounds, two live rounds of AK 47 ammunition, a mobile and four SIM cards.
Villagers in the area were reportedly jubilant with the police operation since the criminal gang had been creating terror on villagers for the past several months.
On April 18, Saljagring had attacked the gaonbura of Gandagre village, Manuel R Marak, severely assaulting him resulting in the 60 year old man being hospitalized with multiple chest injuries.
