SHILLONG: In a first case of violence during the election campaign period for the Tura Lok Sabha seat in Meghalaya, a flying squad team of the election department came under attack by unidentified assailants in Tikrikilla.
The attack occurred on Monday night between 9:30 pm and 10 pm, according to emerging reports in the local press.
Flying squad magistrate Adinson Ch Momin, who sustained injuries to his face during the attack, recounted the harrowing experience.
He stated that the incident occurred following the conclusion of a Trinamool Congress election campaign event featuring their Tura Lok Sabha constituency candidate Zenith Sangma.
Momin mentioned that the rally had concluded at Tikrikilla bazar without any problem, and everyone had already dispersed.
However, the flying squad team remained in the area as it was their duty to check for any violations.
It was at that moment that around five men suddenly emerged from the darkness and attacked them.
The three-member flying squad team, comprising Momin, his cameraman, and a police constable, found themselves targeted in what appeared to be a premeditated assault.
The flying squad team was deployed in Tikrikilla to oversee compliance with election regulations.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, as the perpetrators reportedly provided no explanation for their actions.
In his report to the police at Tikrikilla station, Momin described the assailants as intoxicated and noted that they fled the scene when the police constable on duty rushed to provide assistance.
Momin clarified that the attack was not the result of any group clash or political rivalry.
As investigations into the incident unfold, concerns over the safety of election personnel and the need for heightened security measures during the campaign period are underscored.
