Guwahati: Meghalaya Police on Monday, August 24, arrested another Khasi Students Union (KSU) leader in connection with the violence that broke out during the organisation’s black-flag bike rally in Shillong on August 19.
KSU assistant organising secretary Jeremiah Pohthmi was arrested from the Nongmensong area of East Khasi Hills district, Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told reporters.
Pohthmi was later produced before a court, where police sought his custody for further investigation, the SP said.
Police said Pohthmi is one of five masked individuals identified during the investigation into the violence, which has focused particularly on attacks involving vehicles registered in Assam.
His arrest follows the detention of three senior KSU leaders-president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, and general secretary Reuben Najiar in connection with the case.
The August 19 rally had received permission from the East Khasi Hills district administration but descended into violence after some participants allegedly pelted stones at vehicles and assaulted bystanders. According to the state government, 31 vehicles were damaged and 18 people sustained injuries.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told the Meghalaya Assembly on Monday that 15 FIRs had been registered in connection with the incidents. A Special Investigation Team headed by the Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) has also been formed to identify those involved and take legal action against them.
The Meghalaya government has said the investigation will be conducted strictly in accordance with the law and that neither any organisation nor any individual would be allowed to interfere with the legal process.