Attempt to stop timber smuggling; four including forest guard killed in firing

GUWAHATI: Four people, including a forest guard, were shot dead during an attempt to stop illegal timber smuggling. The incident took place today morning on the Assam-Meghalaya border. The forest department team intercepted and stopped a truck that was transporting illegal timber. The forest guard fired at it and deflated a tyre, as the truck tried to flee. But a large group of armed men attacked the officers and took them hostage. While trying to save them, four people including the guard were shot.

Bidya Singh Lehte is the deceased forest guard. It is reported that the other three persons who were killed were members of the Khasi community. More police forces have reached the spot on knowing the incident. The situation is now under control.