SHILLONG, July 24: A group of five unidentified thugs attacked devotees at Mahadev Khola Temple on Monday leading to chaos. They also attacked a woman shopkeeper besides stealing money from her shop.
A large number of devotees were present at the temple to offer prayers on the occasion of the holy month of Shravan.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtnger issued a statement saying the incident occurred around noon on Monday when one person came to the shop for a beverage (Amul Kool drink) and told the shop owner that he would pay her later.
When she refused, he threw a coconut at her. When her 21-year-old son intervened, a scuffle broke out.
Around 30 minutes later, the goon returned with four others and attacked the woman and her son, stole money from the shop and fled, police said.
On receipt of information, a police party from Jhalupara outpost rushed to the spot immediately followed by senior police officials.
The mother and son sustained minor injuries and were released after administration of first aid.
There were reports of injuries to some devotees, but the same could not be confirmed.
Police have registered a case at Lumdiengjri police station and are making efforts to nab the culprits.
