The court directs police to identify all those allegedly involved in the August 19 violence and seeks a detailed investigation report
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has questioned the limited number of arrests made in connection with the violence during a bike rally in Shillong on August 19, raising concerns over the progress of the investigation.
A division bench of Chief Justice Tevati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh was hearing a suo motu PIL on Wednesday. The bench questioned how only four people had been arrested despite allegations of widespread vandalism and assaults during the procession.
Police informed the court that 22 FIRs had been registered across Shillong, including nine at Rynjah, seven at Mawlai and four at Shillong Sadar. One FIR each was filed at Laitumkhrah and Lumdiengjri police stations.
The four arrested persons were identified as leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU). Police have also seized two vehicles allegedly linked to the violence and are examining data from eight mobile phones and CCTV footage from 27 locations.
The court sought details on police action during the procession, including whether adequate steps were taken after alleged violations of conditions imposed by the district administration. It also asked police about compliance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines on preventing and investigating mob violence.
The bench directed the Inspector General of Police overseeing the SIT to take immediate steps to establish the identities and roles of all those allegedly involved.
The IGP, East Khasi Hills SP and officers-in-charge of Shillong Sadar and Lumdiengjri police stations have been directed to appear before the court on September 7 with a detailed status report.
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