The Meghalaya Police have arrested another KSU functionary in connection with the violence that erupted in Shillong on August 19, taking the total number of arrests to four, while seeking the return of three accused currently lodged in jails at Baghmara, Williamnagar and Tura to facilitate the ongoing investigation. The latest arrest comes as the East Khasi Hills police intensify their probe into the violence, vandalism and assaults that followed the Khasi Students’ Union’s black-flag bike rally, with investigators examining further evidence and possible involvement of others.
Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, said three KSU members were arrested earlier, while the Assistant Organising Secretary and President of the KSU Nongmynsong unit was arrested on Monday morning. He said further arrests would follow if the investigation establishes the involvement of additional persons.
Giving details, Superitendent of police Vivek Syiem said,
“Four people arrested so far related to Shillong violence on August 19, three KSU members were arrested earlier and this morning arrested Assistant Organising Secretary and President of KSU Nongmynsong unit. As investigation progress and we find more clue and evidence we will go ahead with further a tion.”
The three accused arrested earlier were sent to Baghmara, Williamnagar and Tura jails. With their detention outside Shillong hampering the investigation, the police have approached the Inspector General of Prisons seeking their return to the city.
“There was apprehension that there will be breakdown of law and order, but the situation is limping back to normalcy and we can see the preceding days there have been no incident and due to the convenience for the IO to conduct investigation, as the accused are far away and investigation is also hampered so we have given a prayer to the IG prisons to bring them back,” the SP said.
The police have also taken up with the police headquarters the continuation of CAPF and RAPF deployment in Shillong until the end of August to maintain security and prevent any further deterioration of the law-and-order situation.
“CAPF and RAPF we have taken up with the police headquarter to keep them till the end of the month,” he added.
