DC Cachar orders routine magisterial probe into dual encounters in Cachar; BDO invites family for statement

A team of Cachar Police under the leadership of OC, Silchar Sadar had managed to arrest Kamrul Islam Barbhuiya, alias, ‘Lakoi’ and Abu Hussain in Meghalaya’s Jorabat. Abu was the prime accused in a shootout that happened over a property dispute under the jurisdiction of Rangirkhari Police. When the Police chased Abu, they got hold of Lakoi and Anwar Hussain, a 22-year-old boy from Uttar Krishnapur allegedly involved in criminal activities. SP, Cachar Police had informed that Lakoi has multiple cases registered against him and has been earmarked as a wanted criminal in Barak Valley.

Both Lakoi and Abu managed to escape from the custody on their way to Silchar from Jorabat. When the vehicle reached Gumrah Check Gate, they used the traffic jam to jump away from the car. The SP informed that to prevent them from escaping further, the Police had to open fire. Both Lakoi and Abu incurred bullet injuries and they were pronounced brought dead by the doctors of Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

Yesterday, the Office of Deputy Commissioner, Cachar issued an order directing a magisterial probe into the encounter. For the freshers, this is a routine exercise for the Deputy Commissioners to direct a probe each time there is an encounter in their jurisdiction.

The order states, “This for information to all concerned that in connection with the death of two accused Abu Hussain of Uttar Krishnapur & Kamrul Islam Barbhuiya, Dist- Cachar, Assam who were evading Police arrest in connection with Silchar PS case No. 1584/21. The undersigned (Avinash Paul, BDO, Lakhipur & Executive Magistrate, Cachar) has been entrusted to conduct Magisterial Enquiry to find out the causes leading to the death of said
declared.”

The order further adds, “Any person related to the case, relatives/family members of the deceased witnesses concerned may attend in the office chamber of the undersigned at O/O The Block Development Officer, Lakhipur Dev. Block on July 5 and 6, 2022 within office hours for recording of
statements.”