GUWAHATI: Police shot at and injured a mobile-snatcher when he attempted to escape from custody in the Garbhanga area of Guwahati, on Monday, January 20. The police had apprehended Jaydeb Mazumder earlier in the day from Birubari, Sankarpur in connection with a case of mobile snatching, on January 18.
Complainant Aftab Shah Khandakar, a resident of Hatigaon, filed an FIR at Paltanbazar Police Station on January 18. Khandakar reported that at around 4:45 AM, three unidentified assailants attacked him while he was travelling from Guwahati Railway Station to Janata Point, Paltanbazar. The attackers snatched his mobile phone and fled the scene on a black two-wheeler.
The case was registered as Paltanbazar PS Case No. 18/25 under the relevant sections. Police investigation culminated in the arrest of Mazumder (19), allegedly known offender. During interrogation, Mazumder confessed to his involvement in the crime and revealed that he, along with accomplices, sold stolen phones to a buyer in Garbhanga under Gorchuk police station jurisdiction. Mazumder also offered to assist the police in apprehending his associates and recovering the stolen items.
A team led by SI (P) Sunil Katowal, O/C Paltanbazar, Inspector Kuleshjyoti Bhuyan, and UBC Nilu Nath, accompanied by the accused, proceeded to Garbhanga to locate the other culprits. Upon arrival in a dark jungle area, Mazumder requested to step out of the vehicle on the pretext of relieving himself. Seizing the opportunity, he pushed the officers, snatched SI Katowal’s service pistol, and threatened UBC Nilu Nath.
Mazumder attempted to flee while brandishing the stolen weapon. To prevent further escalation and ensure public safety, Inspector Bhuyan fired three warning shots. One bullet struck Mazumder’s left leg, immobilising him. He was immediately taken into custody and transported to GMCH, Bhangagarh, for medical treatment.
SI Sunil Katowal sustained serious injuries to his head, chest, and shoulders during the scuffle and is currently undergoing treatment.
Police are continuing their investigation to locate Mazumder’s accomplices and recover the stolen mobile phone and other articles.