Shillong: Police have arrested another person in connection with the murder of social activist Dilseng M Sangma in Meghalaya, taking the total number of accused held in the case to four, officials said on Tuesday.
Dilseng, who headed a Garo organisation, was assaulted on January 9 when he and a group of fellow activists visited the Rajabala area of West Garo Hills district after receiving information about alleged illegal stone quarrying.
He later succumbed to his injuries, while one of his companions suffered serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.
Investigators suspect that the attack was carried out by hired assailants allegedly backed by operators involved in illegal stone quarrying in the area.
Superintendent of Police A T Sangma said the latest arrest was made on Monday following sustained raids, adding that three other accused had been apprehended earlier.
He said the investigation was progressing and further arrests could not be ruled out.
The killing had triggered tension in parts of the district, prompting the administration to deploy additional security forces and convene peace committee meetings to prevent any escalation.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has condemned the murder and assured strict action against those responsible, appealing to people to maintain calm and allow the law to take its course.
