Dibrugarh, Feb 20: A dreaded dacoit was shot dead by the police in upper Assam’s Charaideo district on Sunday when he tried to escape from police custody.

The deceased has been identified as Sanju Jaiswal.

He was fired upon by the police as he tried to escape from a police team who went in search of him in the Sessa Satra area of Sonari.

“Two bullets hit him as he tried to escape on his motorcycle even though he was asked to surrender. The injured dacoit died on the way to the Assam Medical College and Hospital,” a police official said.

Police said he was a known bike lifter in the area.

“He had lifted many motorcycles and sold them to Nagaland. He was a notorious criminal. After getting out on bail, he had once again resorted to criminal activities,” police said.

Speaking to media persons on Sunday, Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) superintendent Dr Prasanta Dihingia said, “The person (Sanju Jaiswal) escorted by the police was admitted to the Assam Medical College and Hospital at 6.10pm. He had bullet injuries. When he was examined by the doctor he was found dead. He had two bullet injuries, one in the abdomen and one in the left lower leg. The post-mortem will be done tomorrow (Monday) morning by a police surgeon. After that the legal formalities will be done.”