Guwahati, 04 July (HS): Guwahati Police have arrested a 39-year-old man, Avik Das alias Abhimanyu Das, in connection with an armed extortion, assault and wrongful confinement case. During a raid at his residence in Chapaidong, Bonda, police recovered a large cache of firearms, over 360 live rounds of ammunition, the victim's car and other incriminating materials.

According to police, the accused allegedly demanded ₹5.5 lakh from businessman Bishan Sonowal following a financial dispute. On June 28, Das allegedly summoned the victim to his residence, fired a warning shot near his feet, assaulted him and forced him to transfer ₹3 lakh online. The victim was also allegedly compelled to sign documents under duress, while his Maruti Baleno was detained as security for the remaining amount. Police said the accused also threatened and harassed the victim's fiancée over the phone.

Following an FIR lodged on July 2, Pragjyotishpur Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act before arresting the accused. Police recovered the victim's vehicle and found an empty cartridge at the residence, supporting the allegation that a firearm had been discharged during the incident.

The search also led to the seizure of one pistol, three rifles, more than 360 live cartridges of different calibres, 80 empty cartridges, a Toyota Hilux, three mobile phones and an arms licence issued from Dimapur, Nagaland. Police said the authenticity of the arms licence is being verified.

Investigators further stated that Avik Das is a history-sheeter with four charge-sheeted criminal cases registered in Assam between 2021 and 2025. Further investigation is underway to probe the source of the seized weapons and any possible illegal arms network linked to the accused.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash