SHILLONG: Two Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) members were arrested by the police in connection with the tragic killing of two individuals in Ichamati in East Khasi Hills.
Identified as Shamborlang Shati and Mesadapbor Skhembil, both aged 26 and hailing from Sohra, they were reportedly taken into custody from their residences in Cherrapunji on Monday night.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Rituraj Ravi, while speaking to a Shillong-based news portal, has confirmed the arrests.
The victims, Ishan Singh and Sujit Dutta, who were employed in limestone quarries, met a brutal fate on March 27, being stoned to death.
Their lifeless bodies were discovered at Ichamati and Dalda respectively.
ALSO READ Ichamati murders: Meghalaya govt offers Rs 5L ex-gratia to victims’ families; no arrests yet
The arrests come following a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the families of the deceased, alleging the involvement of KSU members in the heinous act.
The incident, purportedly linked to an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest in Ichamati, has sent shockwaves across the region.
Earlier on Monday, amidst mourning and solemnity, the mortal remains of the victims were transported from Shillong Civil Hospital to Ichamati.
While Sujit’s body was cremated, Ishan was laid to rest in their village.
In response to the tragedy, the state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Chief Secretary DP Wahlang confirmed that disbursement of the amount would be overseen by the Sohra Sub Divisional Officer.
As the situation remains tense, with Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) imposed in the area, concerns about safety and security loom large.
While the KSU has refrained from issuing a formal response, the arrests mark a significant turn in the ongoing investigation into the Ichamati killings.
Earlier on April 1, the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) and the Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Peoples (FKJGP) have raised objections against the Coordination and Welfare Committee (CWC) of Shella-Bholaganj Block and neighboring areas for holding the Khasi Students Union (KSU) responsible for the recent murders.
HNYF president Sadon K Blah criticized the CWC’s move to politicize the incident, advocating for an impartial police investigation.
