Tura, July 24:
Brief
– Ex-GNLA commander Rahul R Marak arrested by Meghalaya Police from Assam’s Khardang village in Krishnai
– Rahul R Marak had fled to Assam after issue of non-bailable warrant against him
– Involved in running an extortion racket in North Garo Hills after joining political group GSMC
– Wanted in the case of arson on Soksan bridge of North Garo Hills
Full Report
Police have apprehended a former senior commander of the GNLA militant group who had been absconding from authorities ever since a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him for recent crimes.
North Garo Hills police conducted a special operation on Thursday night by crossing over to the Assam side of the border under Krishnai police station jurisdiction and raided Khardang village, near Khasikagra.
The special operations team of Garo Hills police successfully captured ex-GNLA commander Rahul R Marak who was being sheltered in a house of one of his relatives inside the village that is located on the Assam-Meghalaya border.
The ex-GNLA commander had joined the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), a political group from Garo Hills seeking a separate state for Garos, and became a leader in North Garo Hills district.
Spree of crimes under GSMC garb
Police say that he used his influence as a GSMC leader to start an extortion racket in the district and was collecting illegal tax from vehicles, businessmen and others.
A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him after he jumped bail and fled after his name came up in the arson attack on Soksan bridge of North Garo Hills.
On 11th April night, during a bandh called by the NGOs, the crucial Soksan wooden bridge that links two sides of the district over a river was damaged in an arson attack and the prime accused turned out to be the GNLA ex-commander.
He was also facing another criminal case related to an attack on some people enjoying a picnic in the area during Easter Monday. He is said to have charged those enjoying the picnic with a dao.
