SHILLONG, Aug 11: Shillong Police arrested five persons on charges of hurling a petrol bomb at the bust of JN Bawri near Bawri Mansion in Dhankheti at around 4 am on Sunday. The attack was meant to spread panic and create a fear psychosis.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtnger confirmed the arrests but refused to name the accused. He said police have registered a case at Laitumkhrah police station.
The statue did not suffer much damage but the glass panes of an ATM located in the building were broken, police said.
Personnel from Laitumkhrah police station accompanied by a forensics team arrived at the scene and conducted an investigation following which the five accused were arrested in the course of the day.
The Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum (MLMDF) condemned the petrol bomb attack.
“This act of vandalism, where a petrol bomb was allegedly lobbed at the statue by unknown miscreants, is not only an attack on the memory of a revered figure but also an affront to the values of peace, tolerance, and unity that our community upholds.
“JN Bawri was a distinguished leader and philanthropist whose contributions to Meghalaya and its people are well recognised. The desecration of his bust is a troubling event that has caused distress among the residents and the broader community that holds his legacy in high esteem,” MLMDF said.
The Forum urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and bring the culprits to justice at the earliest.
“We also call upon all sections of society to come together in condemning this cowardly act and to work towards maintaining peace and harmony in our beloved city and state,” it added.
