Guwahati: The Meghalaya High Court has raised concerns over the limited number of arrests made in connection with the violence that broke out during a bike rally in Shillong on August 19, questioning how only four people had been taken into custody despite allegations of widespread vandalism and assaults.
A division bench of Chief Justice Tevati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh was hearing a suo motu PIL concerning the incidents on Wednesday, September 2. The bench expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the probe and directed the police to identify and take action against everyone allegedly involved in the violence.
The court was informed that police had registered 22 FIRs across several stations in Shillong. Of these, nine were filed at Rynjah police station, seven at Mawlai, four at Shillong Sadar, and one each at Laitumkhrah and Lumdiengjri.
Police told the court that the four arrested individuals were leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU). Authorities have also seized two vehicles allegedly linked to the violence.
As part of the investigation, police are examining data from eight mobile phones and reviewing CCTV recordings obtained from 27 locations.
The bench questioned whether the authorities had taken adequate steps to control the procession after alleged violations of conditions imposed by the district administration. It also sought details on whether the entire rally had been recorded on video from the point where it began.
The court further asked the police whether they had acted promptly to prevent assaults, attacks on property and other acts of violence during the procession. It also sought clarification on compliance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines in Tehseen S Poonawalla v Union of India, which deal with the prevention and investigation of mob violence.
Emphasising accountability, the court said individuals responsible for attacking people or damaging property should be identified and brought to justice.
The bench directed the Inspector General of Police overseeing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to consider the observations and take immediate measures to establish the identities and roles of those involved.
The IGP, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, and officers-in-charge of Shillong Sadar and Lumdiengjri police stations have been asked to appear before the court at the next hearing on September 7.
They have also been directed to submit a detailed status report outlining the progress made in the investigation.