Shillong: Tension gripped Lawmali in Shillong early Friday after unidentified miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at a police vehicle parked near the Pasture Beat House, officials said.
The attack occurred between 1.30 am and 3.30 am when a Bolero SUV, reportedly requisitioned by Meghalaya Police and stationed close to the beat house, was set ablaze.
The assailants, believed to be masked men riding three motorcycles, fled the scene immediately after the attack, according to initial reports.
Visuals from the site showed the vehicle bearing signs of fire damage. However, timely intervention by police personnel prevented the flames from completely destroying the vehicle.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed the incident and said prompt action by officers contained the blaze.
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“A Bolero was partially damaged due to quick response by police personnel to extinguish the fire,” he said.
Syiem added that a case has been registered and a manhunt launched to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The motive behind the attack is yet to be established, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity to track down the suspects.
No injuries have been reported, and authorities have tightened security in the area following the incident.