Shillong, Oct 31: Eight police personnel were injured after they tried to rescue a family that came under attack from a mob for allegedly practising witchcraft.
Police arrested nine people for instigating the mob.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said that on Thursday night, around 9.30 pm, the Officer-in-Charge, Sohra Police Station, received information of a serious and volatile situation in Khliehshnong Sohra, wherein the residence of Ham Shangpliang was being gheraoed by an agitated crowd of around 200 people. The mob had issued threats to destroy and set fire to the house, placing the occupants in immediate and grave danger.
Upon receiving the information, a police team and magistrates from Sohra proceeded to the location and took urgent steps to protect the lives of those inside. Preliminary on-site inquiry suggested that the incident arose from claims made by a minor boy who alleged that he had “visions” of Shangpliang and believed himself to be under a witchcraft spell (ai ksuid) from the latter.
“These unverified and unfounded allegations appear to have triggered fear, confusion, and mob mobilisation among certain residents, culminating in an unlawful assembly and violent threats”, the SP said.
Given the aggression and size of the crowd, the police team initially faced significant resistance in securing the area. “To safely disperse the mob and create a secure corridor for evacuation, tear gas and stun grenades were used. Only after reinforcements, including a Special Operations Team(SOT) from Shillong, was it possible to stabilise the situation completely, the SP said.
Subsequently, the combined efforts of the magistrates and police enabled the safe evacuation of the family of Shangpliang, along with two other families who had gathered in the residence for the death anniversary memorial service. In total, 22 persons, including minors, were rescued and transported to Shillong Civil Hospital for medical examination.
“Later, on Friday morning, police, after identifying the people who instigated the crowd, arrested nine persons for which a case was registered at Sohra PS. More arrests will follow. Eight police personnel received injuries in the violence”, the SP added.
