SHILLONG: In another case of arson in the city, four persons, three of whom are minors, have sustained burn injuries.
The incident occurred at Lad Shyiap on Sunday night when two miscreants on a two-wheeler lobbed a petrol bomb at a ration shop run by Shyam Singh, said East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak.
The ration shop was part of the house owned by Imina Kharmuti.
Both were partially damaged in the incident.
The injured, Amanda Kharmuti (21), S. Kharmuti (12), Yasin Kharmuti (5) and Bandana Kharmuti (14) are admitted in hospital.
Asked if the situation is spiralling out of control with arson cases continuing in the city, Marak denied the reports saying the police are trying to arrest the people and many arrests have been made.
He also said the police are arresting only those criminals who are involved in the cases. He added that the police “cannot cover each and every nook of the city and miscreants are trying to take advantage in those areas”.
“Everything’s normal in the day. But miscreants are taking advantage of the night,” he said.
So far, 16 persons have been arrested from different parts of the city in connection with the recent arson cases. None was granted bail.
Marak also said the police are trying to find out from the statements of the arrested men whether any KSU central leader has a role in instigating them and till now there is no direct evidence to establish a link.
Soon after the incident at Lad Shyiap, police apprehended three persons for carrying petrol tin bottles in an auto around 11.30 pm in Mawlai since carrying of petrol and other inflammable products have been prohibited following the imposition of Section 144 in the city.
“We are investigating if three people are involved in any of the arson cases,” he said.
