Bangladeshi Dies After Being Apprehended by Villagers
GUWAHATI: A Bangladeshi national died in Meghalaya’s South West Khasi Hills after being caught by villagers and handed over to police. Authorities confirmed that the man, identified as Akram from Jenaghati village in Bangladesh’s Sherpur district, succumbed to injuries shortly after arriving at Khunjoy Primary Health Centre.
Police received information from locals of Kaitha Kona village on Monday about Akram’s capture. He was found with severe injuries, prompting immediate transfer to the health centre. Superintendent of Police B Jyrwa said Akram was declared “brought dead” on arrival.
The incident followed a tense sequence of events that began late last week, when armed intruders reportedly crossed the India-Bangladesh border in the district.
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The intrusion came to light in the early hours of Friday when a group of men allegedly broke into a shop in Rongdangai village. The suspects reportedly took shop owner Balsrang Marak hostage and moved him towards New Rongdangai village.
According to police, Marak managed to lock himself inside a house during the escape attempt. However, the attackers chased him, banged on the door, and fired several rounds. Fearing for their safety, the residents opened the door, after which the intruders assaulted Marak before fleeing.
At around 2:15 p.m. the same day, a quarry owner reported that armed men had entered his land near Khonjoy village. When police arrived, the suspects fled, prompting officers to fire warning shots. The group escaped into a forested area.
Arrests, Seizures, and Explosive Recovery
Subsequent operations by the police and Border Security Force (BSF) led to the capture of five other Bangladeshi nationals. They were identified as Mubarak Hussain, Mefus Rehman, Jangir Alom, Meruphur Rahman, and Saem Hussain.
Authorities seized several items, including:
- An axe and barbed wire cutter
- A screwdriver and small knife
- A Bangladesh police ID card
- Three wireless handsets
- Ten Bangladeshi currency notes worth 769 taka
- An Indian ₹500 note
- Three micro-explosives
- Medical prescriptions from Bangladesh
Police confirmed that two suspects, including alleged Bangladesh Police constable Meruphur Rahman, are receiving treatment in hospital. The remaining three were remanded to three-day police custody by a local court on Sunday.
Villager Role and Ongoing Investigation
The arrests were made possible with the assistance of local villagers in Khonjoy B and surrounding areas. Police said villagers played a crucial role in both capturing suspects and providing intelligence.
Superintendent Jyrwa stated that the motive behind the intrusion remains unclear. Investigators are looking into whether the group was involved in criminal activities or reconnaissance near the border.
The deceased’s body will be handed over to the BSF after a post-mortem. Authorities have intensified patrols along the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border to prevent further incidents.