Altercation over an FIR the reason behind torching of police vehicles: East Khasi Hills SP

The scuffle between two groups who were in an inebriated state and altercation over an FIR were the reasons behind the arson, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (City) Vivek Syiem said on Friday, after a mob set ablaze three vehicles at Laitumkhrah Police Station.

“There was scuffle between two groups of people whereby one person wanted to go to Bhagyapool, and the other had blocked the road, they started exchanging words, and got into scuffle. One party rushed to the police station immediately and the other party also followed. The first party had filed an FIR, by then the second party came and were against the FIR that was filed against them which led to a commotion inside the Police Station. When a crowd had gathered and the matter was being sorted out, some people torched the vehicle parked below,” the SP told media.

SP Syiem informed that the fight was between the locals and non-tribal youths, who were in an inebriated condition, which spilled over with the mob taking the law into their own hands.

He added that over 40–50 people stormed the police station and burned down two police vehicles and a bike. “The parties’ who had the scuffle were sent for medical examination.”

Reacting to what prompted the mob to target the police vehicles, SP Syiem said that one of the people who was detained for intimidating the police officer, could have been one of the reasons. “To torch the vehicle, they must have used petrol bomb,” SP Syiem added.

SP Syiem also informed that cases have been registered against the mob and appropriate actions will be taken against them.

Speaking on security, SP Syiem informed that the police have intensified security and checking at places where people converge, such as Khyndailad, Police Point, and Polo.

“People who indulge in all anti-social activities have these stickers on their vehicles. People who park their vehicles on roadside at night are also responsible for such altercations,” he said.

Also Read: Violence in Shillong: Clash between 2 groups; 2 vehicles including a police vehicle set on fire