- Meghalaya Police formed a Special Investigation Team to probe violence after the rally in Shillong
- The SIT will identify all involved, including masked individuals and those with obscured vehicle plates
- Investigation includes examining organiser roles and permit violations related to the rally
The Meghalaya Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the violence, arson, vandalism and assaults reported during and after the Khasi Students' Union's two-wheeler rally and black flag march in Shillong on August 19.
The SIT has been tasked with ascertaining the cause and circumstances that led to the incidents, which involved damage to public and private property and assault on members of the public and police personnel.
According to an order issued by Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, it will work to identify and apprehend all those involved in the protests, including masked participants and those who used two-wheelers with covered or obscured number plates, by analysing CCTV footage and other video and photographic evidence.
The SIT has been constituted with immediate effect to ensure a fair, impartial and expeditious investigation into the circumstances leading to the incidents, the order said.
It will also conduct a comprehensive investigation into all cases registered in connection with the rally and the subsequent violence to ensure uniformity in the application of law.
The team will further examine the role of the organisers and permit-holders with regard to violation of the conditions on which permission for the rally was granted.
The five-member team will be headed by Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) DNR Marak. Other members include Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) S. Nongtnger, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police V Syiem, Superintendent of Police (Cyber) Dheeraj Yadav and Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime), East Khasi Hills, Bipul Das.
The order stated that additional officers and personnel may be included in the SIT if required. The team is also required to complete the investigation in a time-bound manner.
