By Rilinda Manih
SHILLONG:
What began as a quiet evening in the misty hills of Sohra turned into a night of fear and frenzy, when an agitated crowd of nearly 200 people gathered outside the residence of Ham Shangpliang on October 31, threatening to set it ablaze over unverified allegations of witchcraft.
The volatile scene unfolded in Khliehshnong Sohra, as panic and superstition rippled through the community. Around 9:30 p.m., the Officer-in-Charge of Sohra Police Station received an urgent call — a mob had surrounded the house and was issuing violent threats. Within minutes, police teams and local magistrates were on the move, racing through the dark, rain-slicked roads to prevent what could have become a deadly tragedy.
Allegations Spark Mob Fury
According to Superintendent of Police (East Khasi Hills) Vivek Syiem, the unrest began after a minor boy claimed to have “visions” of Shri Ham Shangpliang and alleged that he was under a witchcraft spell (ai ksuid).
What started as a child’s fearful confession quickly spiraled into community outrage. As rumours spread unchecked, a mob formed — angry, confused, and determined to take justice into its own hands.
“These were unverified and unfounded allegations,” the SP’s statement emphasized. “Fear and misinformation can move faster than reason.”
Tear Gas, Resistance, and a Race Against Time
When the first police team reached the scene, the crowd had already grown aggressive. Stones were hurled, and repeated warnings went unheeded. In a tense standoff that lasted over an hour, the police were finally forced to use tear gas and stun grenades to push back the mob and open a safe route for evacuation.
Reinforcements — including the Special Operations Team (SOT) from Shillong — arrived soon after, and by midnight, the situation was brought under control. Smoke from the tear gas hung over the village long after the chaos subsided.
22 People Rescued, Eight Policemen Injured
Amidst the turmoil, police and magistrates managed to safely rescue 22 people, including Shri Ham Shangpliang’s family and two other families who had gathered at the residence for a death anniversary memorial. Several children were among those evacuated.
All the rescued individuals were transported to Shillong Civil Hospital for medical examination. In the melee, eight police personnel sustained injuries — a stark reminder of the volatility and danger the team faced that night.
The Aftermath: Arrests and Reflection
By morning, police had begun identifying and arresting those involved in instigating the violence. Nine persons have been taken into custody, with investigations underway to trace others.
“More arrests will follow,” SP Syiem confirmed.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the deep-rooted fear of witchcraft and superstition that occasionally surfaces in parts of Meghalaya. Despite progress in education and awareness, such beliefs continue to spark violence when rumour overrides reason.
The night’s events served as a sobering reminder of how swiftly misinformation and fear can unravel the fabric of a community — and how courage, restraint, and quick police action can mean the difference between chaos and survival.
