By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Two suspected ULFA-linked extortion operatives were injured during an exchange of fire with police at Bogidol Mola village in Assam’s Sivasagar district on May 25, police sources said.
According to police, the group had allegedly been demanding money in the name of ULFA from local businessmen for several days. Businessman Lachit Gogoi of Sivasagar had reportedly received an extortion demand of Rs 8 lakh.
Police said the alleged extortion group arrived near Mola gaon on Sunday to collect the demanded amount, where they encountered a police team.
Officials said the suspects allegedly opened fire on spotting the police, prompting retaliatory firing by the security personnel.
In the exchange, Ritu Gogoi of Mola gaon sustained multiple bullet injuries. Police sources said he suffered four bullet wounds in the thigh area and another injury near the waist, leaving him critically injured.
Another injured person, identified as Jitu Gogoi, a relative of Ritu Gogoi, reportedly sustained a bullet graze injury to his abdomen.
Police said the suspected extortion group comprised six members, of whom four remain absconding. A search operation has been launched to trace them.
Ritu Gogoi was shifted to the Dibrugarh Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) for advanced treatment, while Jitu Gogoi is undergoing treatment at Sivasagar Civil Hospital.
Officials said two motorcycles and a firearm were recovered from the spot.
Police sources added that the same group had allegedly issued a similar extortion demand to Lachit Gogoi around 15 days ago. An earlier attempt to apprehend the group had reportedly failed.
Investigation into the case is underway.