Two Arrested in Meghalaya IED Blast Investigation

Arrests Made Following IED Explosion in Meghalaya

Shillong, Dec 21: Authorities in the East Jaintia Hills district have detained two individuals linked to the IED explosion that occurred in Shymplong village on December 18. Investigations have uncovered a broader conspiracy involving a member of the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

The suspects have been named as Richard Suchen, aged 31, and Pynshaitbor Syih, aged 45, both of whom reside in Shymplong village.

Investigators revealed that Smiki Tongper, another local, orchestrated the IED attack in collaboration with the two arrested individuals and an unidentified HNLC member.

Additionally, police noted that Tongper is implicated in a separate case at Khliehriat Women Police Station (case No. 45(09)23), facing charges under Sections 376(3) IPC and Sections 3(a)/4 of the POCSO Act.

During searches at Tongper's residence, law enforcement seized various illegal materials, including three rolls of safety fuse, two small safety fuses, three detonators, six empty detonator caps, gunpowder, 82 small splinters, a homemade rifle, two BAOFENG radios, and five additional fuses.

The arrests occurred shortly after the IED explosion at the Dhar Company site in Shymplong village, which resulted in damage to a water tanker and minor injuries to the driver, as reported by East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar.

Authorities have initiated a case under the Terrorist Act, Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alongside other relevant sections of the BNS and the Explosive Substances Act.

Initial investigations suggest that the IED was constructed using commercial-grade gelatin. The SP mentioned that they are awaiting forensic results for further insights into the explosive materials used.

While not independently verified, the HNLC has alleged that the targeted company is owned by Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.

The banned group has since claimed responsibility for the explosion and issued a warning to local politicians, threatening severe repercussions for non-compliance and the potential collapse of their businesses.

Police have stated that ongoing investigations aim to identify and arrest additional individuals connected to the incident and to dismantle the network responsible for the IED attack.