The prime accused in the attack on Meghalaya rights activist Agnes Kharshiing and her aide, has surrendered before the police in East Jaintia Hills district, according to police sources.
After evading the police net for almost a month and half, Nidamon Chullet, the prime accused in the assault case involving Meghalaya activists Agnes Kharshiing and Amita Sangma, has surrendered to the East Jaintia Hills police.
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Also read: Meghalaya: Statement of social activist Agnes Kharshiing recorded
Another accused, identified as Cheerful K Ryngkhlem, also surrendered on the same day, the police added.
Notably Chullet is a leader of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
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It may be recalled that on November 8 last, Kharshiing, Sangma and their driver E Kurbah were attacked by a group of 40 people – allegedly led by Chullet – in the East Jaintia Hills district after they complained to the local police about illegal mining and transportation of coal.
Also read: Meghalaya: Social activist Agnes Kharshiing discharged after a month she was brutally attacked
Kharshiing and her aide Amita Sangma had gone to the area to capture photographs of illegal coal mining and were stopped by the some people on their way back.
The 58-year-old activist was stopped near Tuber Sohshrieh, from where she was later found in an unconscious state. Her companion too was injured.
They were later rescued by the police and rushed to a hospital.
The news of the attack created quite a uproar across the State, even inviting the attention of national media and human rights organizations.
So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Sangma had written to Governor Tathagata Roy seeking the arrest of Chullet, who she had claimed, was the “mastermind” of the attack.
The duo had also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case to identify all the accused and trace the people who were sponsoring the alleged illegal mining racket in Meghalaya.