SHILLONG: East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal IAS said police used stun grenades and tear-gas shells while attempting to disperse a gathering after an alleged petrol bomb was hurled at police personnel near the office of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU).
Speaking to the media, Baranwal said police had gone to the KSU office to apprehend individuals allegedly involved in incidents of vehicle vandalism and assault.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, while police were proceeding towards the KSU office, members of the organisation allegedly hurled a petrol bomb at the police.
Following the incident, police resorted to the use of stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the gathering.
He said police have also registered an FIR in connection with the alleged petrol bomb attack.
Baranwal stated that the tear gas was used specifically to disperse the gathering and not to target people who were not involved in the incident.
He said that when community leaders requested the police to leave the area, the personnel complied and withdrew.
The Deputy Commissioner clarified that the police operation was confined to the office of the organisation and that the use of stun grenades and tear gas came after the alleged attack on police personnel.
He added that similar incidents involving petrol bombs had occurred in the past and said the administration would await the findings of the investigation into the latest incident.
