SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Police arrested three top leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU)—including the President, General Secretary, and Vice President—on Wednesday night in connection with the widespread violence and vandalism that broke out during a bike rally held earlier in the day in Shillong.
According to police reports, the student leaders have been booked under various relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which include provisions for damage to public property, causing hurt to commuters, and breaking law and order, among other charges. Following their arrest, the leaders were taken to the Sadar Police Station for detailed questioning and further investigation.
The arrests took place shortly after the KSU leaders held a press conference to address the media and clarify the sequence of events during the rally.
The bike rally, organized to press for the union’s long-standing demands, descended into chaos, leading to extensive violence across multiple locations in the city. Rampaging mobs indulged in stone-pelting, targeted vehicles registered outside the state, set a government vehicle on fire, and assaulted pedestrians. In total, up to 31 vehicles were damaged, and several individuals sustained injuries due to physical assaults.
Addressing the media prior to their arrest, the KSU leadership expressed deep concern and regret over the turn of events.
However, they maintained that opportunistic elements had hijacked the peaceful rally to tarnish the reputation of the organization and derail their ongoing movement and core demands.
