Guwahati: Two suspected vehicle thieves were killed in an alleged exchange of fire with police at Morkadola in Sonapur in the early hours of the morning during a police operation linked to a vehicle theft case.
According to police, the two suspects were shot after they allegedly tried to flee while being chased by police. Another suspected member of the group reportedly managed to escape from the spot.
The deceased have been identified as Saidul Alam Laskar, from Cachar, and Babu Singh, from Imphal, Manipur, police sources said.
The operation began after Panbazar Police received information about an alleged attempt to steal a vehicle in Guwahati. Police reportedly chased the suspects through Amsing and Digaru towards Sonapur.
During a naka check at Morkadola, the vehicle carrying the suspects reportedly met with an accident. Police said an exchange of fire then took place between the suspects and the police team.
Police claimed to have recovered two pistols and several mobile phones from the spot. A search operation is underway to trace the third suspect who reportedly fled the area.
Police also suspect that Saidul Alam Laskar was linked to a vehicle theft network and may have been one of its key operators. However, the claim has not yet been independently established and is subject to investigation.
The bodies have been kept at Sonapur District Hospital. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
