Katigorah: “They Tried to Strangle Me,” Three Held After Alleged Robbery Attempt

Three youths were arrested after allegedly assaulting an auto-rickshaw driver and attempting to rob him at a secluded location near the Gaiman Bridge in Panchgram, under Katigorah police station in Cachar district, on Sunday night, September 13.

According to the driver, the incident occurred after he agreed to take the three youths towards Chowrangi for Rs 100. The driver said the passengers initially asked him to wait as they would arrange the fare, before asking him to take them to a location below the bridge.

Speaking to the media, the driver said he had earlier dropped two women at Badarpur Railgate. After collecting the fare, another man approached him and asked whether he would go to Chowrangi. The driver agreed after being told that there were three passengers who would pay Rs 100.

The driver said that after reaching the area below the bridge, one of the passengers asked him to stop, claiming that he needed to urinate. He alleged that immediately afterwards, one of the youths used the gamcha around his neck to strangle him.

The driver said he lost consciousness and fell from the auto-rickshaw. A local woman reportedly witnessed the incident and raised an alarm, following which nearby residents rushed to the spot.

According to the driver, one of the alleged attackers was caught by the locals while the other two attempted to flee. They were also subsequently caught and handed over to the police.

Police arrested the three accused, identified as Dipak Basfor, Sahel Ali and Abrar Hussain, in connection with the incident.

Panchgram Police have started an investigation into the alleged robbery attempt and assault. The allegations against the accused are subject to investigation and due legal process.