Shillong: Police questioned two KSU members over the locking of a temple at CBI office campus and the Aug 19 violence in Shillong. One of them was arrested for their involvement in the Shillong violence.East Khasi Hills police on Thursday summoned Samuel Kharbani, general secretary of Khasi Students’ Union’s Mihngi Circle, and executive member Celestine Lyngdoh to Sadar police station.The two were questioned by a Special Investigation Team over the locking of an under-construction temple at CBI office premises in Mawdiangdiang last month. They were also questioned about violence and vandalism during a KSU-sponsored motorbike rally in Shillong on Aug 19.“After ascertaining facts about the Aug 19 violence during the investigation, Samuel Kharbani has been arrested. Celestine Lyngdoh’s involvement was not found, so he was released,” East Khasi Hills district SP Vivek Syiem said.KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, general secretary Reuben Najiar and assistant organising secretary Jeremiah Pohthmi, arrested over the Aug 19 incidents, remain in judicial custody. Two vehicles were burnt, 31 vandalised and 18 people assaulted during the violence.KSU’s Mihngi Circle unit locked the temple on July 14, alleging that its construction on govt land violated Supreme Court guidelines and the land-use terms of a 2018 lease, which permitted only office and residential use.The Meghalaya govt later sought an explanation from CBI. Officials were also reviewing the lease agreement.
