Assam Police loses a braveheart who died as he lived

Conspiracy angle surfaces in killing of Barpathar OC Binod Phangso as DGP points finger of suspicion at NSCN

Our Bureau

Guwahati/ Golaghat/ Dimoria, Jan 11: In less than six years of service, he had achieved what many police officers do not in their entire career.

Office in Charge of Barpathar police station Binod Phangso, who died in a shootout with suspected car thieves last night at Chungajan Chariali, had led his men from the front in a number of daredevil missions across the State.

Having served at various police stations in Tinsukia, Darrang, Chirang, Barpeta and Golaghat, 33-year-old Binod enjoyed great rapport with his seniors for his gallantry. So much so that there used to be a tug-of-war among superintendents of police to get him posted in their district.

"He led a number of successful operations in Tinsukia, particularly at Pengeree and Bardumsa, besides Darrang, Barpeta and Chirang. We have lost a brave officer," Golaghat superintendent of police PP Singh said.

"He was at the forefront in every operation. He had neutralized two hardcore ULFA militants at Bordumsa and another at Talap. At Barpeta, he had elimited the area commander of NDFB. In that operation, Binod had himself gone as a decoy with the money demanded by the outfit. There are endless stories which bring out his bravery," said a sub-inspector who was part of his team at Tinsukia.

From the time Binod Phangso was posted at Barpathar about a year back, the notorious vehicle thieves who used to thrive on the Numaligarh-Golaghat NH 39 found their going difficult.

"The incidents of vehicle thefts had come down considerably in the belt. In the event of any incident, major or minor, the officer used to rush to the spot. That is why he was so popular among the people and his men," says Apurba Ballav Goswami, a senior jourlist of Golaghat.

His death, however, has been shrouded in mystery, with reports suggesting that it could be a planned murder. Sources said he was struck by a AK 47 bullet on his back, which smacks of a conspiracy in the killing.

"We are investigating the case. We should be able to come up with something concrete in 2-3 days," the Golaghat SP said, refusing to divulge anything at this stage.

Born on 5 April, 1982 at Chamata Pathar of Kamrup district, Binod joined the police service as a SI (UB) on August 6, 2009. He is a recipient of the CM's Medal in 2015, DGP's Commendation Medal in 2012 and 2015, DIG (ER) Commendation Medal in 2012 and Gallantry Service medal in 2014.

He leaves behind his mother, wife, seven-month-old baby daughter, a brother and a host of relatives.

The mortal remains of the officer was brought to his tive village in the evening where thousands of mourners had gathered. The last rites were performed at 8 pm.

DGP Mukesh Sahay said a proper inquiry will be conducted into the officer's killing. The DGP suspected that he could have been targeted by the NSCN which is reportedly involved in crimil activities in the area, including vehicle lifting, drugs and arms smuggling.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the kin of the officer. Gogoi also said that the government will confer CM's Bravery Award posthumously to late Phangso.