Shillong: Over 300 irate individuals reportedly set fire to 15 trucks belonging to Star Cement on Sunday after a youth was fatally run over by a Star Cement truck at Lumshnong in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills.
According to the Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills, Giri Prasad, initial investigations revealed that a Star Cement truck, driven by a local, collided with a pick-up truck on NH-06 near Wahiajer village
The cement truck driver reportedly fled the scene following the collision. Subsequently, the pick-up truck, along with others, pursued the cement truck to the Star Cement premises.
Upon reaching the plant, the pick-up truck driver, also a local, boarded the Star Cement truck and assaulted its driver.
In an attempt to flee, the truck accidentally ran over the pick-up driver, who died on the spot.
Police said the tragic incident escalated rapidly as approximately 300 individuals from the vicinity, armed with sticks and other weapons, gathered at the Star Cement compound.
The enraged mob destroyed security posts, CCTV cameras, and assaulted security personnel on duty.
The mob set ablaze 14-15 trucks parked within the Star Cement premises. When the fire tender arrived to control the blaze, the mob attacked the fire brigade personnel as well, attempting to damage the fire tender.
Police personnel tried to contain the situation but were also assaulted by the mob. The situation was eventually brought under control with the arrival of additional police and the crowd subsequently dispersed.
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“Following the incident, additional police forces have been stationed at Star Cement and administrative officers are on high alert to prevent any further escalation of the situation,” the SP said.
Police said a case had been registered and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
