Fifth KSU member arrested as SIT continues probe into Shillong bike-rally violence
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the August 19 disturbances during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally in Shillong on Thursday arrested a fifth suspect, police said. The arrested person has been identified as Samuel Kharbani of the KSU Nongmensong unit, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told reporters.
The arrest followed questioning of two KSU members who had been summoned to Mawdiangdiang police station in connection with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case. The SIT examined their roles while statements were being recorded, and "after ascertaining facts during investigation, Samuel Kharbani has been arrested," Syiem said.
- Samuel Kharbani arrested by SIT from Nongmensong unit of KSU.
- Another person, Celestine Lyngdoh, was questioned and released after investigators found no involvement.
- Sections invoked include provisions under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for unlawful assembly and related offences.
Police said four KSU leaders had earlier been arrested after the rally escalated into violence. The incident resulted in vehicles being set on fire and widespread vandalism, and several people were hurt.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrests so far | 5 (four earlier; one arrested on Sept 3) |
| Vehicles burnt | 2 |
| Vehicles vandalised | 31 |
| Persons assaulted | 18 |
"After ascertaining facts during investigation, Samuel Kharbani has been arrested. Celestine Lyngdoh’s involvement was not found, so he was released,"
SP Syiem said the SIT is continuing its probe in coordination with the CBI case. He added that the team is recording statements and examining the involvement of those summoned under the framework of several statutes invoked for unlawful assembly, damage to property and related offences.
Investigation status and legal provisions
Authorities have invoked the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to address allegations arising from the rally, the SP said. The use of these provisions indicates the state police view the incident as involving organised unlawful assembly and deliberate damage to public and private property.
Police did not provide details of the specific sections or the exact charges filed against the arrested persons, but the combination of statutes typically covers offences such as unlawful assembly, rioting, causing damage to property and assault. The coordination with a CBI-linked inquiry suggests parts of the probe may involve inter-agency jurisdiction or complaints that have been handed over for specialised investigation.
Local impact and next steps
The August 19 rally and subsequent violence affected multiple localities in Shillong, with at least 31 vehicles damaged, two vehicles reportedly set ablaze and 18 people assaulted, according to police figures. The arrests and ongoing questioning by the SIT aim to identify those responsible and support prosecutions under the invoked laws.
Police said those found not to have been involved are being released after verification. Investigators continue to summon and examine witnesses and suspects, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as evidence is reviewed and forensic or CBI inputs are received.
Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for completion of the SIT probe or for filing of chargesheets. The matter remains under active investigation.
