By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 19: A violent mob attack that left at least 15 trucks gutted and security infrastructure damaged at the Star Cement premises in East Jaintia Hills was triggered by a fatal road accident on Sunday evening.
According to the district administration, the incident began when a Star Cement truck collided with a pick-up vehicle on NH-06 near Wahiajer village. The cement truck, reportedly driven by a local resident, fled the accident site. The pick-up truck, along with others, pursued the vehicle into the Star Cement compound.
Upon reaching the premises, the pick-up driver, who was also a local, allegedly climbed onto the cement truck and physically assaulted the driver. In the process, the cement truck moved forward, running over the pick-up driver, who died on the spot.
The fatality sparked immediate unrest. Within a short time, approximately 300 people from nearby areas — many of them armed with machetes and other weapons — gathered at the Star Cement compound. The crowd vandalised the sentry post, damaged CCTV cameras, assaulted a security guard, and blocked the removal of the deceased’s body.
Personnel from Lumshnong Police Station, along with additional forces, rushed to the spot to contain the situation. However, in the chaos that followed, the mob set fire to 14–15 trucks parked within the premises. Fire brigade personnel were requisitioned, but their efforts were hampered as the mob turned on them as well, attempting to damage a fire tender and attacking Star Cement’s fire crew.
Police personnel were also attacked while trying to shield the fire teams and prevent further destruction. The situation was eventually brought under control following the arrival of more security forces, and the fire was extinguished.
The deceased’s body was later sent to Khliehriat Civil Hospital. Additional police personnel have been stationed at the Star Cement facility and administrative officers are on high alert to prevent further escalation.
A case has been registered in connection with the incident and an investigation is currently under way, according to the police.