Jalpaiguri, June 29: A front-ranking Ulfa extremist was killed in an encounter with police near Torsha beat office in the Buxa tiger project area in the wee hours of today, senior district and police officials said. Harimohon Roy (38) alias Rustom Chowdhury, known to be close aide of Ulfa chairman Arbinda Rajkhowa, was killed when patrolling policemen retaliated to firing by militants, who were spotted in the area around 1am, assistant district magistrate, Alipurduar, S Mandal said.
A sub-inspector received minor injuries in his leg in the encounter, he said.
The security in the area was tightened since the escape by ISI agent Nazrul Islam from Mekhliganj court police lock-up and the reported efforts by Rajkhowa to cross over to Bangladesh from Bhutan.
A 9 mm Russia-made revolver, live cartridges and Rs 4000 in Indian currency was recovered from the slain extremist, police said.
High police officials, including SP Siddhinath Gupta, has rushed to the spot which is being lashed by heavy rains, they added.
Bureau Report