Cops alert after attack on BJP leader in GH

SHILLONG/TURA: After neutralising GNLA, police are perplexed with the problems involving dacoits and goons.
In the wake of the attack on BJP contestant from Phulbari, Benoy Ghosh, and others by dacoits, in West Garo Hills, the police have rounded up a few persons who were earlier involved in robbery.
“We have taken stock of the situation and we are rounding up people who were arrested for dacoity,” the West Garo Hills police told The Shillong Times.
The police found out that these dacoits are from both Assam and Meghalaya. The miscreants were active in Assam but after the attack on Ghosh, police noticed that the dacoits have shifted to Meghalaya.“This stretch falls between Phulbari and Tikrikilla which is previously known for abductions, dacoits, almost 3-4 years before and most of the people were arrested in this connection and now due to certain reasons would have probably got bail,” the official said. Asked on the GNLA connection, the officer said militants are not connected with the case adding, “The place where the incident happened is not dominated by GNLA. It is mostly operated by dacoits.”
Police outpost demand
Meanwhile, SP of South Garo Hills Abraham T Sangma said the demand of the residents of Mindikgre to set up a police outpost will be looked into.
Following the threats from the A’chik Revolution Army, the residents of Mindikgre demanded new outpost to tackle the crime.
Meanwhile, the A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO) has strongly condemned the recent attack on BJP contestant from Phulbari, Benoy Ghosh, and others by dacoits while they were travelling in a car.
According to the organisation, six armed dacoits attacked the BJP leader’s car and took away money, jewellery, including mobile phones, belonging to the occupants while he along with his friend Uttam Das were travelling in a car driven by his driver, Shibu Das.
Stating that the area (Gaptuli reserve) was known for robberies, the AYWO urged police stations and outposts to come together to check the activities of anti socials.
“We want the Phulbari and Tikrikilla police stations as well as the Nidanpur outpost to work together to arrest the culprits. This route is also frequently used by timber smugglers due to its close proximity to the Assam border. Regular patrolling is a must on this route to check the activities of anti social elements,” the organisation said.
The organisation also sought the setting up of an anti dacoity camp in the area for safety of the people.