OUR CORRESPONDENT
BONGAIGAON: A robbery accused was injured in police firing at Jogighopa while allegedly attempting to escape from custody after attacking a police constable.
According to Bongaigaon SSP Numan Mahatta, Jogighopa Police Station Case No. 135/26 was registered after six persons from West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, who had travelled to the Doloni Beel Hillside area of Jogighopa to purchase used trucks, were allegedly robbed by a group of armed men.
"The robbers snatched around Rs 5 lakh from them at gunpoint," Mahatta said.
Police subsequently launched an investigation and arrested the alleged prime accused, Md Borat Ali of Krishnai in Goalpara district. Police also recovered the vehicle and pistol allegedly used in the crime.
According to Mahatta, while police were escorting Borat Ali from Krishnai towards Jogighopa, he asked the personnel to stop near the Jogighopa bypass to urinate. He allegedly then attacked a constable and attempted to flee into the darkness and uneven terrain.
"The accused was repeatedly warned to stop, but he allegedly continued running. Police first fired blank rounds to prevent his escape. When he did not stop, police fired one round below his knees as a last resort. He sustained an injury to his right leg," the SSP said.
The injured accused was initially taken to a local hospital and later referred to Bongaigaon Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
A police constable also sustained serious injuries during the incident and was shifted to Bongaigaon Medical College for treatment.
Further investigation into the robbery and the circumstances surrounding the accused's alleged escape attempt is underway.
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