Four killed in encounter with Meghalaya Police-ATS in East Garo Hills

Four armed men were killed in an early morning gunfight with a joint team of Meghalaya Police and the state’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in East Garo Hills district on Sunday. The encounter occurred around 4 a.m. near a checkpoint on the road from Songsak to Kagal, following intelligence-based inputs, police officials said.

According to East Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Pawar S. Vasantrao, the joint team had positioned itself near Damra, a town close to the interstate border with Assam, based on credible intelligence. While conducting vehicle checks, the officers signaled a vehicle to stop. However, the occupants allegedly opened fire, prompting the police and ATS personnel to respond with counterfire.

In the exchange, the four individuals inside the vehicle sustained serious injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical staff pronounced them dead. The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, and authorities are working to establish their backgrounds and possible criminal records.

Investigators are also exploring whether the men were involved in the recent kidnapping and murder of a businessman near the interstate border. The victim, identified locally as a trader from Assam, was reportedly abducted and killed in Damra last week. Police are examining whether the slain men had any connection to the crime.

East Garo Hills SP Vasantrao stated that forensic teams are still collecting evidence at the scene and conducting further verification. The investigation remains ongoing, and legal procedures are being pursued in accordance with the law.

While the exact motive behind the vehicle stop remains under scrutiny, police emphasized that the operation was conducted in response to active threats and intelligence warnings. No injuries were reported among the security personnel involved.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and cooperate with ongoing investigations, particularly in border areas where criminal activities have been reported in recent weeks.

#MeghalayaEncounter #EastGaroHills #ATS #MeghalayaPolice #GaroHills #SecurityOperation #InterstateCrime