Two men arrested in connection with a bag-snatching case in Guwahati were injured in police firing after they allegedly attacked an escorting constable and tried to escape from custody early on Thursday, according to a police officer quoted by the Times of India.
Prashanta Boro, also known as Melo, and Rahul Das, also known as Zubin, were arrested on October 13 and were being taken for further investigation. Police said the two were linked to a bag-snatching incident in Kahilipara a few days earlier, in which a woman was allegedly dragged for nearly 100 metres.
According to the officer, the accused provided information during custodial interrogation about their alleged modus operandi, activities and other criminal incidents in Guwahati. They also reportedly agreed to assist the investigation team in apprehending other members of their alleged gang.
The police team took the two men to a location in Khanapara at around 2am on Thursday, the officer said. On reaching the spot, they allegedly made a pre-planned attempt to escape by attacking the constable escorting them while they were handcuffed.
The police then fired at their legs to prevent the alleged escape, according to the officer. Both men sustained bullet injuries and were apprehended again before being taken to CMC Hospital for treatment. Their condition was reported to be stable and they were out of danger, based on information available at the time of the report.
The case follows heightened attention to street crime and the safety of pedestrians in Guwahati after the Kahilipara incident. The reported use of force occurred during an active investigation and was described by police as a response to an attempted escape from custody. The supplied report does not provide details of any separate inquiry into the firing or the constable’s condition.
The officer further alleged that the two men were involved in several incidents and said they had admitted to their involvement in some cases. Police said evidence had been found and that their alleged links to multiple cases would be verified as the investigation proceeds.
The next steps are expected to include treatment of the injured accused, verification of the cases in which they may be involved and further investigation into the alleged gang and the Kahilipara bag-snatching incident.
