Shillong, August 20: A series of suspected arson attacks were reported from different parts of Meghalaya on Thursday, with petrol bombs hurled at the Nongmensong Police Outpost in Shillong and a Veterinary Office in South West Khasi Hills, while two Bolero vehicles and a motorcycle were set ablaze in Ri-Bhoi district.
At Nongmensong, unidentified persons allegedly hurled a petrol bomb at the police outpost at around 9:30 pm on August 20. According to sources, the petrol bomb landed on the second floor of the building. However, no police personnel were injured and no major damage was reported as the device reportedly struck a wall of the building. Security at the outpost was strengthened following the incident, while police launched an investigation to identify and trace those responsible.
Earlier in the day, police in South West Khasi Hills reported that a petrol bomb had been lobbed at the Veterinary Office at Mawlangwir village. According to the office of the Superintendent of Police, Mawkyrwat Police Station received information about the incident at around 10:43 am. Police personnel rushed to the spot and found that the petrol bomb had landed on the roof of the office, but caused no damage.
During a preliminary enquiry, office staff said neighbours had apparently heard something at around 1 am, though no suspected persons were seen. The device was discovered by employees at around 9:30 am when they arrived for work. Police said further enquiry is underway.
In another incident, unidentified persons allegedly set fire to two Bolero vehicles and a motorcycle at the Water Resources Office in Saiden, Ri-Bhoi district, between 2 am and 2:30 am on Thursday.
One Bolero bearing registration number ML-01-4464 and a motorcycle bearing registration number ML-10 C-7459 were completely gutted, while another Bolero bearing registration number ML-01-5359 was partially damaged.
Personnel from Ri-Bhoi Police and Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control, managing to save one of the Bolero vehicles from being completely destroyed.
The incidents come amid heightened tension in the state following Wednesday’s Khasi Students’ Union black-flag rally in Shillong. However, authorities have not established any connection between the incidents and the rally, and investigations are continuing.
