Guwahati, August 24: Meghalaya Police have arrested KSU Nongmynsong Unit president Jeremaiah Pohthmi in connection with the violence that followed the Khasi Students' Union's ‘Black Flags Bike Rally’ on August 19, taking the number of KSU members and leaders detained in the case to four.
KSU leader arrested in case
Pohthmi is also the Assistant Organising Secretary of the union's Central Executive Council. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said Pohthmi was accused of inciting violence and causing physical injuries during the disturbances.
Police are preparing to produce him before the court to seek custody for questioning.
Investigation into violence
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills police are seeking clearance from Police Headquarters to bring three senior KSU leaders back to Shillong from detention facilities in the Garo Hills to facilitate the investigation.
KSU CEC president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmen Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben A. Najiar were arrested after the rally and are currently detained in Baghmara, Williamnagar and Tura respectively.
A Special Investigation Team has also been formed under the supervision of the Inspector General (Law and Order) to expedite the investigation and identify those involved in the violence.
Also Watch:
Police trace masked protesters
SP Syiem said investigators were facing difficulties in identifying several people who had covered their faces during the violence. Police are using forensic and technical methods to establish their identities.
Legal action will follow against those identified, he said.
Central paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force and the Rapid Action Police Force, have been deployed in vulnerable areas of Shillong until the end of the month to maintain law and order.
