TURA, May 13 - People travelling by vehicles on National Highway 62 last evening between Assam and Meghalaya were attacked by a group of dacoits who looted them of cash and valuables.
The incident occurred at about 8 pm yesterday between the two police outposts of Rongmil in East Garo Hills and Wageasi in North Garo Hills. An initial report was filed at Rongmil Operations Group Centre (OGC) and case taken up by Rongjeng PS.
According to a victim, a large group of dacoits holding what appeared to be guns and sharp weapons, stopped about five vehicles going towards Dudhnoi and another six-seven vehicles moving towards Williamnagar and looted some of the occupants. The gang fled after they saw a Gypsy come towards them.
�They were unable to loot everyone as what looked like a police Gypsy turned up. They snatched whatever they could lay their hands on and fled into the nearby jungles,� said AG Marak, a resident of Rongjeng, who was at the scene.
A police official confirmed that the Gypsy was indeed of the police and was on patrol duty. The dacoits appeared well informed as they waited for the bullet proof police van to cross before making their move.
A case was lodged by a Tura resident, Zerach R Marak, who was looted of Rs 20,000 and two mobile phones. Another three passengers in his car were also looted.
�An investigation is on into the incident,� said police. The NH 62 had earlier gained notoriety over frequent cases of dacoities, some of which were even fatal. A large number of highway gangs used to frequent the NH, though of late, increased police patrolling had kept these gangs in check.
