One killed, 2 injured in Assam firing

One civilian was killed and two others were injured when unidentified gunmen fired at a vehicle near a forested area in Tinsukia district of Assam on Wednesday, police reports said.

"Three persons from the Pengeri tea estate were on their way in a van to collect money from the bank to pay wages to the labourers. They heard the sound of firing at a forested area and before they could understand what was happening they were being fired upon," said Tinsukia district SP MJ Mahanta.

He added that the driver managed to drive the vehicle to a nearby hospital.

Police said six bullets hit the vehicle that led to the death of one of the occupants and injured two others.

"Police have intensified operations against the assailants," Mahant said.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condemned the incident and asked the police to deal firmly with those involved in the crime.

The Chief Minister also announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the family of the deceased and free treatment to the injured.