Rally violence: Four held, hunt on for more suspects

SHILLONG, Nov 3: Shillong Police has arrested four prime suspects who assaulted several bystanders and vandalised shops and vehicles during the FKJGP rally on October 28.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtnger said police, after identifying the culprits, conducted multiple raids on the intervening night of November 2 and November 3 in East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts.
“We have managed to arrest four persons who were directly involved in the assault. Others who were involved in the assault managed to evade arrest,” he said.
Nongtnger said the arrested persons will be produced in Court in connection with Laitumkhrah PS Case No. 150 (10) 22 U/S 324/34/341/ 353/ 505/ 506 IPC and Shillong Sadar PS Case No. 246 (10) 22 U/S 120B/ 323 /34/ 341/ 353 /427/505/506 IPC R/w Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
“Efforts are on by the district police to arrest all those involved in the assaults,” the SP said.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said police is looking for 4-5 more people who have gone absconding.
Reiterating that a small group of people were involved in violent activities during the rally, Sangma said that Section 144 CrPC will not be imposed on the festivals which have been lined up in the state in the coming days.
“Steps will be taken to ensure that there is peace in the capital and the state,” the chief minister said.