By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 18: Two overground workers of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) were arrested by East Jaintia Hills police on Thursday in connection with an IED explosion at the Dhar Company premises in Shymplong under Elaka Narpuh in East Jaintia Hills shortly after midnight on December 15.
Police sources said the arrested individuals have confessed to planting the device.
They are expected to be produced in court on Friday, where police will seek remand for further custody.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar told The Shillong Times that while the explosion occurred, social media reports claiming fatalities were “completely baseless and incorrect.”
The IED was placed under a water tanker at a workers’ campsite. The blast damaged the vehicle but caused no injuries.
“The driver, who was sleeping inside the tanker cabin, escaped without even a minor injury,” Kumar said.
Preliminary investigations suggest the use of a high explosive, likely commercial gelatin sticks. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) has confirmed the presence of high explosives. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) will examine the composition of the explosive material.
Kumar said the investigation is progressing rapidly. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, with multiple teams examining various leads. “We are confident of apprehending all those involved,” he added.
On the delay in public disclosure, Kumar explained that information reached police only on Tuesday afternoon.
Due to the remote location, poor nighttime visibility, and the need for expert verification to distinguish an explosion from mischief, confirmation took time, he said, adding that an FIR was registered on Wednesday.
The case has been filed under relevant sections of the IPC, including 109 (attempt to murder), 113 (terrorist act), 326 and 327 (mischief causing damage), and Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Police have registered the case under Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 113 (terrorist act), 326 and 327 (mischief causing damage), along with Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act.
The SP emphasised that no sections related to death or grievous injury have been invoked, clearly indicating that there was no casualty in the incident.
The SP reiterated that had there been any loss of life, appropriate legal provisions would have been applied.
