Shillong, March 19: A major breakthrough has been made by Meghalaya Police in the investigation into the IED blast near Harijan Colony in Shillong with the prime suspect being arrested by a joint operation from Ri Bhoi and Eastern West (Mairang) Police teams on Monday from Mairang area.
The accused has been identified as 21 year old Namphyrnai Lyngdoh Peinlang of Peinlang village and is said to be the main accused in triggering the blast at Mawlonghat, Punjabi Lane, Shillong.
“Due to sustained pursuit and joint efforts of East Khasi Hills Police, Ri-bhoi police and Eastern West Khasi Police, the accuses was apprehended from Mairang and brought to Shillong,” announced East Khasi Hills SP Rituraj Ravj.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, SP Ravi stated that the arrested individual had been in close contact with active members of the banned militant group, the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
This is the third suspect to be arrested following the blast on March 9 at the Syndicate Bus Station near Them Mator (Harijan Colony) in which one person reported to have sustained minor injury.
It maybe noted, the HNLC on March 14 has claimed responsibility for the IED blast.
“East Khasi Hills police is determined to bring to justice all the perpetrators who played a role in the conspiracy, abetment, financing, and carrying out the task of triggering a bomb blast,” assured SP Ravi.
He added that the police department has beefed up security across the city and other districts.
