The suspected prime accused in the recent IED blast on the railway track near Singimari Gate between Kokrajhar and Salakati stations was killed in an encounter with police early Saturday morning.
The encounter took place around 6 a.m. along the Nadangiri Hills near Salakati when security forces launched a search operation following intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected militant group members in the area.
According to police sources, during the search, an exchange of fire broke out between the police and suspected cadres of the Jharkhand-based NSLA (Naxalite-linked group). The gunfight lasted for several minutes, after which the police recovered the body of one individual with bullet injuries. The injured was rushed to Rup Nath Brahma Civil Hospital, Kokrajhar, where doctors declared him brought dead.
The deceased has been identified as Ipril Murmu alias Rohit Murmu, a resident of Rampur, Kachugaon. Police said Murmu was a hardcore NSLA cadre and a close associate of Naxalite operatives, involved in anti-national activities, including bomb blasts in Jharkhand. He is believed to be the prime accused behind Thursday’s IED blast that damaged railway tracks and disrupted train services for several hours under the Northeast Frontier Railway’s Alipurduar Division.
Security personnel recovered a pistol, two grenades, and other incriminating materials from the encounter site.
Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pushparaj Singh confirmed the incident and said, “There was a group of about ten members of the militant organisation in the area. One was neutralised, while others managed to flee. The deceased was a hardcore cadre of the NSLA and a close associate of Naxalite groups.”
He further added that police have intensified operations in and around the Nadangiri Hills and adjoining areas to apprehend the remaining members. At least four police personnel sustained minor injuries during the encounter, officials said.
Security forces continue to conduct combing operations as the district remains on high alert following Thursday’s blast.
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