Man arrested for threatening to plant multiple bombs in Shillong city

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 23, 2025

One person was arrested on Thursday for allegedly threatening to plant multiple bombs across Shillong city.

Thirty-seven-year-old Edward Maiong was arrested from his temporary residence at Lower New Colony Laitumkhrah following an FIR registered against him, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem told reporters.

He said the FIR filed on Wednesday informed that the complainant had received an SMS message over phone from an unknown number threatening to plant multiple bombs within Shillong city. The sender of the message had identified himself as being a part of ‘Ri-Bhoi gang’.

On receiving the FIR, a case was registered vide Sadar P.S Case No.29(01)2025 u/s 351(4)/353(2)/61(2) and 113(2)(b) BNS Act.

Syiem said that the Special Operation Team (SOT) of East Khasi Hills immediately swung into action and launched a search operation with the assistance of police from the neighbouring districts.

“After an overnight operation to identify the suspect, the Special Operation Team (SOT) was able to zero down on Edward Maiong from his temporary residence today. The phone from where the threat of bomb blasts were made has also been recovered and seized,” he added.

The SP however said Edward’s links with any militant outfit cannot be ruled out at this juncture as there are incriminating evidences against him.

The district police is conducting heavy checking at all points in the city including combing operations and intensified patrolling within the district to thwart any attempt to disrupt the Republic Day celebration, he said while requesting the cooperation of the public.