Shillong, Sep 13: Mawryngkneng Police on Friday arrested a 47-year-old “mentally unstable” person identified as Bajiedstar Kharsati for his alleged involvement in an arson attack on the Presbyterian Church at Pomlahier on August 15 this year.
Wooden and plastic chairs and a portion of the wooden floor of the church were damaged in the shocking attack that took place on the country’s Independence Day.
This was the second instance of vandalism at the church and police suspect his involvement in both the incidents.
On 11 September 2025, Kharsati broke the church’s window panes and fled to a nearby jungle fearing public assault, but police arrested him next day after an intensive search operation.
He was taken to Mawryngkneng Community Health Centre (CHC) for a medical examination, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said.
“As he appears to be mentally unstable, he has been referred to the MIMHANS hospital in Shillong for further evaluation and treatment,” he informed.
