West Karbi Anglong: APS Indranil Barua Becomes New SP After Mukroh Firing Incident

GUWAHATI: On November 23, APS Indranil Barua was appointed as the new Superintendent of Police (SP) of West Karbi Anglong district replacing top police officials who had been fired as a result of the violence that broke out along the Assam-Meghalaya border on November 22.

Previously, the official of the Assam Police Service was the 23rd Battalion's commanding officer. The violence near the state's border with Meghalaya, which began on November 22 and resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including one Assam forest guard, led to the transfer of former West Karbi Anglong SP Imdad Ali.

Imdad Ali, on the other hand, is now a member of the 23rd Assam Police Battalion. Shortly after Conrad Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya denounced the Assam Police action at Mukroh village and vowed that his government will take all necessary measures to guarantee those responsible would be held accountable, suspension and transfer orders were issued.

The shooting incident took place on November 22 in Mukroh, Jirikinding PS, West Karbi Anglong District, between Assam Forest Officials and unidentified miscreants. According to reports, the incident happened when the Forest Protection Force tried to halt a truck carrying illicit timber.

Villagers brandishing sharp weapons attacked the members of the forest party who had halted the vehicle with gheraos. The police crew that had gone to Mukhrow hamlet to retrieve the contraband timber-laden vehicle allegedly turned to shoot in self-defense to preserve their lives.

In the tragedy, five people and one Assamese forest guard died. Conrad K. Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya, said he was in contact with his Assam colleagues. He added that he would inform Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the incident.

"An inquest is being held, and the injured are being treated at a hospital. In this regard, the Meghalaya police filed an FIR," said Sangma. In order to stop the situation from getting worse, the Meghalayan government has also banned internet services in the state for the following 48 hours.

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