NHIDCL Kidnapping Plot Busted In Meghalaya: 4 Armed Suspects Killed In Early-Morning Gunfight

Williamnagar witnessed a successful thwarting of a serious ransom-kidnapping plot against National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) officials early Sunday morning. At around 4:00 AM, on the Dagal-Songsak road near Songsak Reserve, a joint police force, comprising the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), East Garo Hills District Police, and personnel from Songsak Police Station, intercepted a heavily armed criminal group.

The group was reportedly moving towards Songsak with the intention of kidnapping NHIDCL personnel for ransom.

Upon signaling the approaching vehicle to pull over, the occupants opened fire, damaging a police vehicle. The joint team responded in self-defense, resulting in a brief but intense gunfight. After the gunfire ceased, the medical condition of the four armed suspects was assessed. They were found severely wounded and were immediately transported to Songsak PHC. Later, they were referred to Williamnagar Civil Hospital, where a medical examination confirmed their deaths.

The deceased were identified as Allason Marak from North Garo Hills, Sustom Rabha from Assam's Goalpara, Kalam Ali from Assam's Goalpara, and Bobidul Islam, also from Assam's Goalpara. Each suspect had a notable criminal record, with Marak linked to the recent Damra firing incident, Rabha having multiple robbery, abduction, kidnapping, and Arms Act violations, and Ali facing charges of abduction, extortion, assault, and wrongful restraint.

At the encounter scene, law enforcement recovered two factory-made pistols, one marked as Beretta, and live and spent rounds of ammunition. The investigation is ongoing, with the recovered evidence being thoroughly scrutinized. Superintendent of Police Pawar Swapnil Vasantrao, IPS, assured the public that the Meghalaya Police remains committed to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring safety throughout the district.