Police Encounter Shall Continue, If Criminals Try To Escape Or Snatch Guns: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

The statement of the chief minister came to fore after opposition parties in Assam claimed that encounters under the rule of Himanta Biswa Sarma as a chief minister has increased in the state.

Speaking to reporters CM Sarma however said, "The criminals should have been asked this question. If they stop escaping from custody or stop snatching guns from police personnel, then there is no question of an encounter".

He said that it is the duty of the police to arrest criminals but if they try to escape from custody or snatch guns to fire on police then there is no other alternative option without retaliating back.

Further the CM has said that government will not tolerate crime against women, drug peddling or cattle smuggling at any cost.

It may also be mentioned that till date, the number of those killed in police encounters rose to 22, whereas, more than 34 accused have been injured in such incidents across the state.

Earlier, The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report from Assam's Director General of Police in connection with a complaint related to alleged fake encounters by the state's police force since May this year. The commission, which sent an email to the DGP on Tuesday, has sought the report within four weeks. An advocate Arif Jwadder had filed a complaint alleging that the Assam police have conducted many fake encounters. Based on this, the NHRC ordered its registry to send a copy of the complaint to the DGP of Assam demanding a report within four weeks.

Also Read: NHRC Seeks Report From Assam DGP On 'Fake Encounters'