5 arrested in Laitumkhrah scuffle incident, SP says investigation on to nab those involved in arson case

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 8, 2023

Five persons were arrested on Saturday for their involvement in the recent scuffle incident that led to the torching of three vehicles at Laitumkhrah police station.

East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtnger said the five persons belonged to the two groups, which were involved in a scuffle at Laitumkhrah on Thursday late night.

The five were produced before the Court and were remanded to five days police custody.

The SP however refused to reveal the identities of the arrested persons and said, “all are treated as accused persons in the case”.

When asked, Nongtnger said police are yet to arrest those involved in the arson case.

“Investigation is still on to also nab those involved in the torching of the vehicles,” he added.

On Thursday, the incident started when both parties, who were involved in the fight, proceeded to the police station to file FIRs.

While there was heated exchange of words inside the police station, some unidentified people gathered outside and set on fire a police gypsy vehicle, a tourist taxi and motorbike, which were parked in the police station premises.  

The mob also pelted stones at the police station causing damage to a window pane.

Cabinet minister and East Shillong legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh had said that people who are responsible for the incident have to be taken to task. “CCTV surveillance are there and I do not anticipate that there will be any problem identifying anyone.”

She however said spreading that the attack and arson incident at the Laitumkhrah police station was due to a “communal clash” is totally wrong and incorrect.

Meanwhile, Lyngdoh had said if such incidents reoccur they would be left with no option but disallow anyone to hangout aimlessly in Laitumkhrah area.

“I think we have to take a call. We have to request the police force to disallow anyone to hangout aimlessly in any of our roads and by-lanes if you are going to fight with each other and cause us more troubles. We accommodated you and if you cannot appreciate the good gesture from our side then we have to put it down and close it up,” she had said.