Police summon KSU members over locked CBI-campus temple and rally violence
Shillong: East Khasi Hills police on Thursday summoned two office-bearers of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in connection with the locking of a temple within the CBI office complex at Mawdiangdiang and the violence that marred a KSU-sponsored motorbike rally on August 19, officials said.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) questioned Samuel Kharbani, general secretary of the KSU’s Mihngi Circle, and executive member Celestine Lyngdoh at Sadar police station about the circumstances that led to the locking of the under-construction temple and the disturbances during the rally, East Khasi Hills district SP Vivek Syiem said.
“After ascertaining facts about the Aug 19 violence during the investigation, Samuel Kharbani has been arrested. Celestine Lyngdoh’s involvement was not found, so he was released,”
The arrest of Kharbani followed inquiries by the SIT into the rally, which police say involved incidents of arson, vandalism and assault. Several other KSU leaders arrested in connection with the August 19 incidents remain in judicial custody, police added.
Arrests, damages and ongoing probes
Police provided a tally of the damage and injuries from the August 19 disturbances: two vehicles burnt, 31 vehicles vandalised and 18 people assaulted. The SIT has been probing who organised the rally and the actions taken by participants during the demonstration.
- Arrested in connection with Aug 19 incidents: Samuel Kharbani (arrested during SIT questioning).
- Held in judicial custody: KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, general secretary Reuben Najiar and assistant organising secretary Jeremiah Pohthmi.
- Released: Celestine Lyngdoh, after the SIT found no involvement.
Police said the probe into the locking of the temple and the rally violence are linked by the involvement of the same KSU unit and the timing of the incidents. The temple at the CBI office premises had been locked by the Mihngi Circle unit of the KSU on July 14, the organisation said, citing alleged breaches of land-use conditions.
Dispute over land use at CBI campus
The KSU Mihngi Circle said it locked the under-construction temple alleging that its construction violated Supreme Court guidelines and the terms of a 2018 lease that, according to the KSU, permitted only office and residential use of the land. The action prompted the Meghalaya government to seek an official explanation from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), according to police.
Officials are also reviewing the lease agreement for the CBI premises as part of the inquiry into the temple dispute, SP Vivek Syiem said. Police have not released further details on the content of the lease or any formal response from the CBI to the state government’s queries.
What police say and next steps
The SIT continues to investigate role(s) played by individuals and the sequence of events during the rally and the temple lockdown. Police did not supply a timeline for further arrests or for filing chargesheets but said actions would follow as enquiries progress and evidence is collected.
Authorities have emphasised preserving public order and the rule of law while probing alleged offences arising from both the temple-locking incident and the rally. No statements from the KSU leadership responding to Thursday’s summons were released by police at the time of reporting.
| Item | Count |
|---|---|
| Vehicles burnt | 2 |
| Vehicles vandalised | 31 |
| People assaulted | 18 |
The SIT’s inquiries are expected to examine witness statements, videographic evidence and the lease document governing the CBI campus land use. Police said they will act on evidence and recommendations arising from the probe.
