SHILLONG: Superintendent of Police (East Khasi Hills) Vivek Syiem today informed that the March 27 road rage case is being treated as an offence punishable with less than three years, following which a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was issued to the accused.
He informed that the accused has since appeared before the Investigating Officer and is cooperating with the investigation.
The SP further revealed that the accused possesses a licensed firearm, and although the weapon was not present at the time of the incident (as claimed by the accused) police will take up the matter with the District Magistrate for possible cancellation of the licence.
Syiem added that the accused had allegedly threatened the victim with the firearm. Police said the investigation is ongoing and a chargesheet will be filed at the earliest.
The case stems from a road rage incident reported on the evening of March 27, when a routine traffic dispute in Shillong escalated into a serious confrontation involving alleged assault and intimidation with a firearm.
The victim, identified as Shanskhemborlang Laitmiet, stated that the incident occurred amid heavy traffic congestion, where vehicles had spilled across multiple lanes. He said that while attempting to move toward Anjali Pump, he carefully aligned his vehicle into the correct lane and briefly reversed to adjust to the flow of traffic.
GENESIS OF THE CASE: Caught on Camera: Shillong Road Rage Incident Involving Gun Sparks Outrage
However, another driver allegedly obstructed his path, triggering a confrontation. What began as a verbal altercation quickly escalated, with the accused reportedly brandishing a pistol concealed in his trousers and using it to intimidate the victim.
According to Laitmiet, despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, the accused became increasingly aggressive, allegedly assaulting him and using abusive language. Even as he tried to disengage and return to his vehicle, the attacker reportedly continued the assault.
A key piece of evidence in the case is a video recording of the aincident, captured by a passenger accompanying the victim, which is expected to aid the ongoing investigation.
