ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Mar 23: In a high-risk anti-narcotics operation, the Itanagar Capital Police successfully apprehended a notorious drug trafficker following a dramatic armed confrontation on Saturday evening.
Addressing the media in a press conference today, SP Itanagar Rohit Rajbir Singh (IPS) provided a detailed account of the operation that unfolded on the evening of March 22. The accused, identified as Rohit (alias Ruhit) Basumatary, was intercepted after engaging in a brief but intense exchange of gunfire with police personnel. His capture led to the seizure of a sophisticated firearm and a significant quantity of narcotics.
The operation was launched based on credible intelligence regarding drug trafficking activities in the capital region. Acting swiftly, police teams were deployed to intercept a blue Renault vehicle suspected of transporting contraband. At approximately 6:15 PM, the vehicle was spotted and signaled to stop at a checkpoint. However, instead of complying, the suspect attempted to escape at high speed, leading to a reckless chase that ended when he crashed the vehicle.
As soon as he exited the car, Basumatary opened fire on the approaching police officers, prompting them to retaliate while exercising maximum restraint. The police team, led by SDPO Capital Kengo Dirchi, faced direct gunfire but remained undeterred. Demonstrating exceptional courage, they pursued the suspect and managed to subdue him with a carefully executed non-lethal shot to the leg. The suspect was immediately disarmed and taken into custody, ensuring no casualties among police personnel or civilians.
Following his arrest, a thorough search of the vehicle was conducted in the presence of Magistrates and independent witnesses. The search resulted in the recovery of approximately 12 grams of suspected heroin, cleverly concealed inside a green soap box near the spare tyre. Additionally, officers recovered a high-grade made in USA firearm along with six live rounds of ammunition, underscoring the level of threat posed by the suspect.
After his capture, the accused was immediately transported under heavy police escort to R.K. Mission Hospital for medical attention. He is currently undergoing treatment for the injury sustained during the encounter. Meanwhile, two police officers suffered minor injuries in the operation. Sub-Inspector Tamo Bakhang sustained abrasions and chest swelling due to bullet impact, while Assistant Sub-Inspector Manish suffered multiple abrasions from a scuffle with the accused. Both officers are reported to be in stable condition.
During the press briefing, SP Singh revealed that Rohit Basumatary is a habitual offender with an extensive criminal history spanning multiple states. He has been previously involved in numerous cases of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and large-scale narcotics trafficking. His name has surfaced in several police records across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, with cases registered against him under various sections of the IPC, NDPS Act, and Arms Act. His prior involvement in criminal activities, including cases in Chayagaon, Golaghat, Badorpur, Dergaon, Sootea, Chimpu, Bokajan, and Tangla, highlights his deep entrenchment in organized crime.
A new case has been registered against the accused at Chimpu Police Station under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), the Arms Act (1959), the NDPS Act (1985), and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (1984). A special investigative team, led by Inspector Rina Sonam, has been constituted to probe further into his network and possible links to other criminal syndicates.
Issuing a strong warning to drug traffickers, SP Singh emphasized that the Arunachal Pradesh Police, particularly the Capital Police, are fully committed to eliminating the drug menace from the state. He assured that law enforcement agencies will remain relentless in their pursuit of criminals involved in narcotics trade, arms smuggling, and organized crime.
"Our message is clear, Arunachal Pradesh will never be a safe haven for drug traffickers. We are determined to uproot this illegal trade and bring its perpetrators to justice. The Capital Police will continue to act swiftly and decisively against those who seek to harm our society,” SP Singh stated.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List