SHILLONG — The Meghalaya High Court has sought answers from the East Khasi Hills district administration over alleged gaps in the police response to the August 19 violence in Shillong, particularly the handling of injuries to civilians and damage to privately owned vehicles.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh raised the concerns on October 13 while hearing PIL No. 16 of 2026 alongside PIL No. 18 of 2026. The court directed the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner to submit an affidavit explaining the issues identified during its examination of the State’s status report.
The bench noted that the report referred to FIRs concerning damage to government vehicles and an assault on a BSF constable, but did not adequately explain the action taken over damaged private vehicles, including two-wheelers, or injuries suffered by members of the public.
The court also questioned whether police had made sufficient efforts to identify affected residents and obtain their statements. It said the police were responsible for ensuring that injured persons, witnesses and vehicle owners came forward and had their accounts formally recorded. The handling of the procession itself also came under scrutiny. According to the court’s observations, participants allegedly breached conditions imposed by police, including restrictions against covering their faces, carrying sticks or lathis, and concealing vehicle registration numbers. The organisers had reportedly given an undertaking concerning these conditions.
The bench questioned why the procession was allowed to continue instead of being stopped at its starting point after the alleged violations. It directed the police to take the necessary steps to record statements from witnesses and all affected persons.
The Deputy Commissioner must file the affidavit before the next hearing, with an advance copy to be supplied to senior counsel K. Paul, who is assisting the court as amicus curiae.
The case will return to the High Court on November 3.
