Two arrested in connection with brutal attack on social activist

SHILLONG, NOV 9: Two persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the brutal attack on social activist Agnes Kharshiing and her friend in coal-rich East Jaintia Hills District even as police are still investigating to nab the others involved in the incident.

District police chief Silvester Nongtyngnger informed that the duo identified as Elphon Dkhar (22) and Meklison Siangshai (26) were picked up from Kongong during raids conducted in the area and its surrounding on Friday early morning.

“They will be forwarded to Court and the Investigation Officer (IO) has prayed for five days police custody to ascertain the involvement of other persons involved,” he said.

Kharshiing, who heads the Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) and her friend Amita Sangma received severe head injuries on Thursday after they were attacked by a group of 30-40 unidentified persons at Tuber Sohshrieh village, about 80 kilometers from here.

Both were rushed to the Jowai civil hospital at Ialong in West Jaintia Hills District, which is about 30 kilometers away from Tuber. Later, Kharshiing was shifted to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS).

A case was registered under section 307/392 IPC which is attempt to murder and robbery. A Dy.SP rank officer is heading the investigation.

Asked, the SP said, “We have picked them up for interrogation and it is too early to say now whether they are involved. However, investigation is on and we are still building up evidence.”

He informed that Kharshiing had also met a woman police sub-inspector to enquire about the coal trucks during her visit to the Ladrymbai police outpost.

“She (Kharshiing) was informed by the officer that trucks (around 12 in number) have been detained in the morning,” Nongtyngnger said.

Admitting that illegal coal mining is happening in the district, the SP said a lot of cases in violation against the NGT orders have been registered and with whatever manpower that is available, police are trying their best to nab such violators.

Earlier, chief minister Conrad K Sangma while condemning the incident had issued necessary directions to the police and district administration to investigate the matter and arrest those behind the attack.

By Our Reporter

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