Assam: Drug peddler killed in escape bid, cop and civilian injured

GUWAHATI: A suspected drug peddler was killed in police firing while he allegedly tried to escape during a search operation conducted by police at a house in central Assam's Nagaon district on Saturday night. Two others, including a police officer, were injured also injured in the shooting.
The deceased has been identified as one Khairul Islam.
As per information available, a police team led by Khatowal police station OC Alok Datta Gupta had gone to conduct a search at a house in Garuati area at around 12.30am following a tip-off about the presence of drugs in the house.
Giving details of the incident, Gupta said: "Last night we received information that Bulbul, the brother of Khairul Islam, has started peddling drugs again. He was recently released from jail. Following the tip-off, we conducted as search operation in the house yesterday. While some of my staff had cordoned off the area, I and a few other members of the search party entered the house and found Khairul with three others. When I asked Khairul not to make a run for it, he pushed me suddenly, pulled out a khukri and tried to hit me in my neck. Quick evasion action saved me from receiving a fatal injury. But he did managed to injure my hand. Left with no other option, I had to shoot him in self defence."
Nagaon SP Anand Kumar Mishra said Khairul is a big time drug mafia of the area. His brother Bulbul - who had been arrested in drug-related cases earlier - and other members of the gang were present in the house at the time of the raid.
"As soon as the police team reached the spot Khairul, who was armed with a khukri, attacked the OC targetting his neck. The latter sustained grievous injuries on his hands when he tried to save himself," he said. The OC opened fire in self defence and control the situation. "It is not clear whether the gang also used fire arms in the attack," the SP said. With this, the number of alleged criminals killed in Assam while trying to escape has gone up to 16 ever since the Himanta Biswa Sarma government assumed charge on May 10. This apart, over 31 arrested people were also injured in police action during this period period.