NONGPOH, July 8: Unidentified miscreants set ablaze two auto-rickshaws parked in the compound of a house near Sardarji Dhaba in Mawtnum village, Ri-Bhoi, late Monday night.
According to information received, the incident occurred at around 1 am when miscreants allegedly torched the two auto-rickshaws that had been parked in the same location. One of the vehicles was completely gutted in the fire, while the other sustained partial damage after the drivers, awakened by the commotion, managed to move it away in time. The auto-rickshaw that was completely destroyed bore the registration number ML 10D 0651 and belonged to Robertson Marwein, a resident of Umbuda village. The partially damaged vehicle, with registration number ML 10D 3492, was owned by Xavier Thabah.
Speaking to the media, Robertson Marwein expressed deep anguish over the incident, stating that the auto-rickshaw was his sole means of livelihood and had been purchased through a loan, which he is still repaying with about a year’s worth of instalments remaining. He lamented that he has no idea how he will repay the outstanding debt now that the vehicle has been destroyed.
Marwein, a farmer by occupation, also clarified that he has no personal enmity or dispute with anyone, and the malicious act has left him shocked and disheartened.
Meanwhile, Ricky Lyngdoh, a leader of the auto drivers’ association of Saiden area, condemned the incident and urged the police to expedite their investigation and bring the culprits to justice.
Following the incident, the owners of both vehicles filed an FIR at Nongpoh Police Station.
