Meghalaya: Main accused involved in assault of SPTS bus conductors arrested
By Our Reporter, TNT News | Shillong, June 1, 2018:
Amid the hostile atmosphere in Motphran area, Police on Friday has arrested the main person who was connected with the assault of the conductors of the STPS buses at Them Iew Mawlong on Thursday.
"We had investigated into the case and certain persons were detained. After detaining and questioning, we have today arrested the main person who was connected with the assault," said East Khasi Hills district police chief Davis Marak here on Friday.
"We are hopeful that this would de-escalate the situation," he said adding that one of the demands made was that action should be taken against perpetrators.
Here is how it all happened: Police version
The ladies from the Punjabi lane were fetching water and these ladies had an argument with the drivers/conductors of the STPS buses parked in that area.
Apparently, these ladies alleged that the STPS buses' drivers and conductors had said abusive words to them. After this, there was scuffle where it was alleged that three persons of STPS buses were injured. Later it was found that it was a fact that three persons were injured and all of them, who were minors, were injured in this scuffle. It was simple minor injuries. They were released from Shillong Civil Hospital after first aid.
Rumours were doing its round on social media that one of the victims had died and this led to the escalation of the incident. At that moment, there was allegations and counter allegations, it was then decided that both parties would not go ahead with filing an FIR. A GD entry to this effect was made at Cantonment police beat house.
Thereafter, in the evening at around 5.30 to 6 pm, a huge crowd number 500 plus people belonging to the STPS bus association had gathered at Them Iew Mawlong and proceeded towards Punjabi Line. There was also another group of people from the Punjabi Line. Due to the timely intervention of the police, they could convince both the groups to go back.
After this, a crowd numbering around 200 then moved towards Motphran and then proceeded towards Punjabi Line. There were people from Punjabi Line who were armed.
There was an apprehension that it would lead to serious group clash due to which a lathi charge was ordered. This lathi charge took a long time to contain the trouble. The police were able to contain the group at around 2.30 am.
Thereafter, curfew was imposed from 4 am onwards.
Today again in violation of the curfew order, a huge crowd and even now (till the report was filed) is gathering at Mawkhar and Motphran area.
A fresh FIR was also filed by STPS buses association at Sadar police station on Friday.
Number of arrests made
Last night, four people have been picked up by the police. Despite curfew being imposed in the areas, there were cases of pelting stones and petrol bombs going on even now.
"I don't have the number but yes several people were picked up and several were injured during this clash," said the SP.
When asked on the number of police personnel who were injured, he said that there were two police personnel who were injured in the incident today adding that there were many people who were injured during the incident last night.
RELATED NEWS: Meghalaya: Violence in Motphran disrupts peace in city, CRPF deployed
More than 100 police personnel are deployed in Motphran area and in and around the city; adequate police personnel have been deployed.
He also informed there were incidents of arson cases reported in RR Colony, Nongmensong and other parts of the city. At the moment, we cannot confirm that these arson cases are connected with the same incident.
On the KSU demands
On the demand of the KSU to release the people who have been arrested, SP said that the suggestions and requests to release the arrested people have not come to his notice.
"Most of the people who were arrested were in inebriated condition," added the SP.
______________________________
(TNT-The Northeast Today urges the citizens of Shillong to use Social media responsibly and help maintain the peace and tranquillity in the capital city)
