By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 7: A mob torched three vehicles, including a two-wheeler, on the premises of Laitumkhrah police station at around 1.30 am on Friday after two groups of people went there to file FIRs following a drunken brawl between them near the Health Complex. The mob also made a failed bid to snatch weapons from Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who had just returned after finishing patrol duty.
Superintendent of Police (City) Vivek Syiem told reporters on Friday that the two groups had two rounds of altercations on the road at Laitumkhrah and later, one group rushed to the police station to lodge an FIR. Soon, the other group arrived there.
During a heated exchange of words inside the police station, some people gathered outside and set on fire a police vehicle (gypsy), a tourist taxi and a motorbike. The taxi and the two-wheeler were partially damaged.
“There was a commotion in the police station and many people came. When the matter was being sorted out, the incident of arson took place,” Syiem said, adding the mob comprised 40-50 people.
Asked if some pressure groups were also involved, the SP said the incident is being investigated. He said the members of both groups, who were in an inebriated state, were sent for medical examinations.
Dismissing the allegation that the officer-in-charge refused to register the FIR filed by one group, Syiem said when the first party filed the FIR, someone intervened and the OC told the second party to lodge an FIR.
No arrest has been made so far. The SP said the police are studying CCTV footage. It is suspected that the mob used a petrol bomb to set fire to the vehicles.
“It was actually a very small issue. When the mob came, the dialogue inside was still going on. Nobody expected that somebody would torch the vehicles,” the SP said.
One of the persons, who came on behalf of one group, was also detained for intimidating the officer.
Following the incident, the police intensified security. They started checking vehicles and drunken driving in certain areas including Khyndailad and Police Point where people normally converge.
The police said they launched a drive against drunken driving on Thursday as per a plan they chalked out.
“We have made a request to the DC to consider not allowing the food stalls to remain open beyond 11 pm,” the SP said.
East Khasi Hills SP, Sylvester Nongtnger said he has no idea if the pressure groups were involved in the incident. He said the report of investigation will reveal everything.
According to him, there was an attempt by some of the youth to snatch the weapons of some CRPF personnel who were about to return to their camp after duty.
“There was no misuse of power by the CRPF personnel. It is normal that the personnel will react,” Nongtnger said, adding there is night police patrolling to ensure peace and harmony in the city.