Mob torches 15 trucks, destroys property, attacks security guards
Shillong, May 20: Following the torching of around 15 Start Cement trucks by a mob, apparently angry over death of a person after being hit by a company’s truck, additional police forces have been deployed at Star Cement plant at Lumshnong in East Jaintia Hills district.
“Additional forces have been stationed at Star Cement and administrative officers are on high alert to prevent further escalation,” district additional superintendent of police said on Monday.
“In this regard, a case has been registered and is being investigated into,” he added.
The incident took place on Sunday night after a local person was tragically ran over and died on the spot in an accident followed by another accident involving a Start Cement truck and a Pick-up truck on NH-6 near Wahiajer village.
After the collision, the Star Cement truck reportedly fled the scene and the Pick-up truck along with others chased it up to the Star Cement premises, police said.
Upon, arrival, the Pick-up driver climbed onto the Star Cement truck and assaulted the driver and in an attempt to flee or drive forward, the cement truck ran over the Pick-up driver, who died on the spot, they said.
Following the incident, around 300 individuals armed with daos and other weapons from nearby locality gathered at Star Cement compound and started destroying the sentry post, CCTV equipment, and attacked the security guards.
The agitated crowd blocked the removal of the deceased’s body, which was later managed and sent to Civil Hospital, Khliehriat.
In a few minutes, the mob set fire to 14-15 trucks in the parking and in other premises of Star Cement.
Immediately, fire tenders were requisitioned, but the mob started attacking the Star Cement fire brigade personnel too and attempted to damage the fire tender.
In the process, police attempted to stop the crowd from burning down the fire tender and attacking security personnel, but the mob started attacking police personnel who were trying to control the situation and protect life and property, the additional SP said.
“Later, upon arrival of additional force, the situation was brought under control and the mob dispersed accordingly, and the fire was doused,” he stated.
