Assam drug kingpin confesses to firing at Itanagar police during smuggling attempt

Assam-based drug kingpin Rohit Basumatary, wanted in multiple narcotics-related cases, has confessed to firing at police officers while attempting to smuggle drugs into Itanagar. The dramatic encounter took place near Holongi Road, where he was shot in the legs and arrested following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.

 

According to Itanagar SP, IPS Rohit Rajbir Singh, police had received intelligence about a narcotics-laden vehicle en route to Arunachal Pradesh’s capital. Acting on this tip-off, a police team led by SDPO Kengo Dirchi, OC K. Yangfo, and Sub-Inspector Tamu Bagang set up an interception point near Sogo Resort.

 

"We had information about a vehicle carrying drugs, but only knew the last two digits of its number plate. On identifying a suspicious vehicle with an Assam registration, we attempted to stop it. However, the accused broke through the barricades, crashed into an electric pole, and lost control," SP Singh stated.

 

During the subsequent chase, Basumatary opened fire on the SDPO’s vehicle and later shot at Sub-Inspector Tamu Bagang while attempting to escape into a jungle. Prepared for the possibility of armed resistance, the police, wearing bulletproof jackets, retaliated, injuring Basumatary in the legs before taking him into custody.

 

The operation was not without casualties. A police personnel named Manish sustained injuries during the encounter. Following his arrest, Basumatary was taken to RK Mission Hospital for medical treatment under police custody before formal charges were filed against him.

 

SP Singh issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, stating, "For the past 10 days, we have been monitoring narcotics smuggling routes. Today, we executed our plan successfully. I urge all drug traffickers to steer clear of Arunachal Pradesh, as the capital police remain vigilant and fully prepared to combat drug-related crimes."