Two accused in ex-CRPF jawan's murder injured in separate police firings in Assam

Two men arrested over the killing of a former CRPF personnel in Assam's Sivasagar district have been injured in separate police firing incidents within three days, with investigators alleging that both tried to attack or overpower police personnel during the probe.

The incidents follow the September 18 killing of 35-year-old former CRPF jawan Biman Barua in the Bihubar area. Barua was allegedly stabbed by a group of five people at Rangajan Bengali Basti on the afternoon of that day.

Police subsequently arrested the accused, including the alleged prime accused, Vicky Singh, who investigators said had fled towards Nagaland after the incident. Singh was picked up from Naginimora in Nagaland the same day, while the remaining four accused were arrested by the following day based on information gathered during the investigation.

The case has been registered at Bihubar police station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with murder, along with other relevant provisions.

According to Sivasagar Senior Superintendent of Police Papori Chetia, Singh was being taken through the investigation process on September 19 when he allegedly attempted to grab a police officer's service weapon and escape. Police opened fire during the alleged attempt, hitting Singh in the right leg.

A second firing incident was reported on Monday night involving another accused, Md Rubul Khan. Investigators had taken Khan to a house where they suspected the weapon allegedly used in Barua's murder had been concealed. Police said Khan suddenly attacked Bihubar police station officer-in-charge Nabin Chetia with a sharp-edged object during the operation. The OC's personal security officer then fired one round, striking Khan in the right leg.

Both injured men were taken to hospital for treatment. Khan was subsequently referred to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh, where Singh is also receiving treatment.

The Sivasagar police chief said separate cases have been registered in connection with the two incidents. The accused have been produced before a court and remanded to police custody, officials said.

Police said the investigation into Barua's murder is continuing and that a detailed chargesheet is being prepared.