Police in Meghalaya took a fifth individual into custody on Monday, arresting Jeremiah Pohthmi, the Assistant Organising Secretary of the Khasi Students Union (KSU), in connection with the unrest that erupted during the union’s black‑flag bike rally on August 19 in Shillong.
Morning officials detained Pohthmi and presented him before a local court, where he was remanded to judicial custody. He is identified as one of five masked persons alleged to have participated in arson and assaults, notably the targeting of vehicles registered in Assam.
The latest arrest follows the earlier detention of three senior KSU officials: President Raymond Kharjana, Vice President Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and General Secretary Reuben Najiar. Their arrests were also linked to the same August 19 incident, which saw clashes intensify after the rally and caused heightened anxiety over travel safety between Assam and Meghalaya.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, speaking on a suo motu motion in the Meghalaya Assembly on Monday, confirmed that five masked individuals have been identified and that one has already been arrested. While he did not disclose further investigative details, the chief minister pledged a review of the case and assured that all responsible parties would face justice.
The violence sparked concerns about the security of Assam‑registered vehicles, which were reportedly attacked in large numbers. The state government has reiterated that legal proceedings will run their course and has promised stricter guidelines for future rallies and processions to deter similar outbreaks.
With the apprehension of Jeremiah Pohthmi, the total count of KSU leaders held in relation to the Shillong rally now stands at four, as police continue to probe the incident and identify any additional suspects.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News