Shillong: Meghalaya Police have arrested another leader of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) in connection with the violence that broke out during the outfit's black-flag bike rally in Shillong on August 19, particularly over attacks on Assam-registered vehicles.
According to the report, KSU assistant organising secretary Jeremiah Pohthmi was arrested in the Nongmensong area in East Khasi Hills. Pohthmi was later produced before a court, where the police sought his custody for further investigation.
Pohthmi is among five masked persons identified so far in connection with the violence. Investigators are specifically looking into incidents involving attacks on vehicles bearing Assam registration numbers.
The arrest comes days after police apprehended three senior KSU leaders, president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, and general secretary Reuben Najiar, in connection with the same case.
The August 19 rally had received permission from the East Khasi Hills district administration but later turned violent after some participants allegedly pelted stones at vehicles and attacked bystanders.
The Meghalaya government has said that at least 31 vehicles were damaged and 18 people were injured during the violence.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told the Assembly on Monday that 15 FIRs had been registered in connection with the incidents. A special investigation team headed by the Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) has also been constituted to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The state government has maintained that the investigation will be conducted in accordance with the law and that no organisation or individual will be permitted to influence the legal process.
: Meghalaya: Fourth KSU Leader Arrested Over August 19 Rally Violence