SHILLONG: In the wake of the blast in Shillong’s Harijan Colony, two additional suspects have been apprehended by the Ri Bhoi police.
Ri Bhoi SP Jagpal Singh Dhanoa stated on Thursday that the detainees are charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities Prevention (UAP) Act, and Explosive Substances Act.
With today’s arrests, the total number of people arrested in connection with the IED blast at Shillong’s Harijan Colony has gone up to six.
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During interrogation, it was revealed that the banned outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) is allegedly indoctrinating youth through propaganda to sustain their extortion operations, a statement issued by the Ri Bhoi police said.
The authorities are probing into possible financial contributions to the outlawed group, warning of legal consequences under the UAPA for any association with HNLC.
Additionally, another case has been filed regarding the hoisting of an HNLC flag on the National Highway in Ri Bhoi district in August 2023.
The SP highlighted that HNLC’s clandestine activities are orchestrated through social media and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platforms, urging the public to report any contact from HNLC to the police.
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Furthermore, the police released a video of a conversation between the self-proclaimed HNLC military commander Sanbor Pala and a key suspect in the Ri Bhoi IED recovery case, underscoring their commitment to bringing individuals associated with HNLC to justice.
The arrests come after the Meghalaya Police thwarted a significant terror plot orchestrated by HNLC, following the recovery of arms and explosives from a residence in Ri Bhoi on March 14 post the blast in Harijan Colony.
Acting on intelligence provided by a suspect apprehended in the Shillong IED blast case, the police seized small arms, gelatine sticks, detonators, ignition fuses, and HNLC flags, among other incriminating evidence.
