Shillong, September 2: The Meghalaya High Court has expressed dissatisfaction over the progress of investigation into the recent rally-related violence in Shillong, observing that the procession should have been stopped at the outset after participants allegedly violated conditions imposed while granting permission.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh made the observations while hearing PIL No. 16 of 2026 on September 1. The State, represented by Advocate General A. Kumar, submitted a status report pursuant to an earlier order dated August 24.
The Advocate General informed the court that 22 FIRs have so far been registered in connection with the incidents — four at Shillong Sadar Police Station, nine at Rynjah Police Station, seven at Mawlai Police Station and one each at Laitumkhrah and Lumdiengjri police stations.
The State also informed the court that three KSU office bearers were initially arrested and another office bearer was subsequently arrested. Two vehicles allegedly involved in the incident have been seized, while Call Detail Records of eight suspected mobile numbers and CCTV footage from 27 locations have been collected and are being analysed.
However, after examining the status report, the court said it was “not happy” with the manner in which the investigation was progressing.
The court noted that participants had allegedly worn masks and covered their faces despite an undertaking that they would not do so. It further observed that participants had allegedly carried sticks, lathis or dangerous weapons in violation of another condition, while vehicle registration numbers were also covered.
The Bench observed that had police stopped the rally at the beginning after noticing the violations, the situation might not have escalated into destruction of vehicles and property and assaults on people.
The High Court also sought information on whether the procession was videographed and whether directions issued by the Supreme Court in the Tehseen S. Poonawalla case were followed. It further asked whether any police officer had intervened or attempted to stop the rally, assaults or damage to property.
The court also questioned why police had been able to identify only four persons despite hundreds allegedly being involved in the procession.
It directed police to identify those responsible at the earliest and take the investigation to its logical conclusion so that those involved in assaults and property damage are not spared.
The court was informed that a Special Investigation Team has been constituted under the leadership of Inspector General of Police Marak. The Bench asked that its order be brought to the notice of the SIT chief and called for prompt action to identify those who “paralysed the city”, vandalised statues, damaged property and assaulted members of the public.
The High Court has directed the IGP heading the SIT, the Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills and the Officers-in-Charge of Sadar and Lumdiengjri police stations to remain present on the next date of hearing.
The State has also been directed to submit a fresh status report on the investigation. The matter will next be heard on September 7.
