KOKRAJHAR/GUWAHATI: In an attack that resembled the recent Islamic State (IS) assaults in Europe, a masked gunman in a black raincoat fired indiscriminately and hurled a grenade at a crowded market in Kokrajhar town, about 225km west of Guwahati, on Friday, killing 13 people and wounding 18 others.
The slaughter, of a sort unheard of in trouble-torn Assam, occurred a little before noon, as the gunman and his companion arrived at the market in an autorickshaw.
Moments after the firing, the gunman was killed by personnel of 3 Rajput Regiment, based in Kokrajhar, who were passing through the market.
Security agencies said the attackers belonged to the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) though it issued a denial.
There was panic at the market as people fled for cover. Security personnel had a difficult time trying to guide screaming women, children and shoppers to safety. The chance presence of 3 Rajput Regiment soldiers may well have prevented a larger toll. The man accompanying the assailant managed to escape.
Fifteen of the injured are battling for life at the Barpeta Medical College and Hospital, sources said.
Quoting the driver of the autorickshaw used by the assailants, additional DGP L R Bishnoi said, “The two men got off at the market and one of them started firing.” The driver was later detained by police. Some reports suggested both men were wearing raincoats while only the gunman sported a mask.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
