Male-female criminal apprehended after a gun battle with Meghalaya Police personnel

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 26, 2024

After a daring gun battle, Meghalaya Police apprehended two criminals including one female involved in illegal felling of Sal trees, bike thefts and betel nuts thefts in the Assam-Meghalaya along Ri Bhoi District on Tuesday morning.

According to police, on receipt of information of presence of armed miscreants in the vicinity of the jungle area near Ranibari village under Jirang C&RD Block, Ri Bhoi District, the in-charge and staff of Rani Border Police Outpost rushed to the area but as they ventured into the jungle, the miscreants opened fire on the police party.

Police said despite the threat, the police refrained from retaliatory measures due to the presence of children and women nearby, opting instead to pursue the assailants and in the ensuing search operation, two individuals, identified as Ajit Rabha (18 years old) and Kavita Rabha (also 18 years old), were apprehended. 

Police said that preliminary interrogation revealed their involvement in a criminal gang specializing in theft, including the illegal felling of Sal trees, theft of bikes, and betel nuts. The gang’s leader was identified as Shri Rudra Rabha, who is Ajit Rabha’s stepfather.

Police said that a country-made SBML firearm and gunpowder used for ammunition were seized during a search of Ajit Rabha’s residence. Police are currently conducting extensive combing operations in the area to locate the remaining miscreants and they have registered a criminal against the duo at Khanapara Police Station under relevant sections of the law in connection with this incident.