Shillong, August 3: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) office in Shillong came under attack on Monday afternoon after three unidentified masked men allegedly hurled a petrol bomb at its premises. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while officials said no injuries were reported and no official documents were damaged.
According to officials, the attack occurred at around 12 noon at the MSPCB office. Personnel from the Laitumkhrah Police Station, along with the Crime Scene Unit, reached the spot shortly after the incident to secure the area and begin collecting evidence.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Three masked men allegedly hurled a petrol bomb at the MSPCB office in Shillong.
The attack occurred at around 12 noon on Monday.
No injuries or damage to official records were reported.
CCTV footage captured the suspects arriving on two scooters and fleeing after the attack.
Police are investigating a possible link to the recent public hearing on Shree Cement's proposed limestone mining project, though no motive has been established.
A formal complaint has been filed, and forensic teams are examining the scene.
Initial investigations indicate that the attackers arrived on two scooters. CCTV footage reportedly shows two of the suspects entering the office premises, lighting an improvised petrol bomb in a secluded area, and throwing it towards the office building before fleeing the scene. Authorities are analysing the footage to identify the suspects and trace their movements.
The incident comes days after a controversial public hearing organised by the MSPCB regarding Shree Cement Limited's proposed limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in Elaka Nongkhlieh. The hearing drew criticism from opponents of the project, who alleged that they were prevented from participating due to road blockades and incidents of stone-pelting, while supporters were allegedly allowed to attend.
While investigators are examining whether the two incidents are connected, officials have stressed that no conclusion has been reached regarding the motive behind the attack.
Editorial Analysis
Why It Matters
The incident has raised concerns over the security of public institutions and the safety of officials involved in environmental decision-making. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to determine whether the attack was connected to the controversial mining project or motivated by other factors.
Speaking to reporters, MSPCB Member Secretary Dr. G.H. Chyrmang confirmed that the board has lodged a formal complaint with the Laitumkhrah Police Station. He stated that the board had no known disputes with any individual or organisation and said it would be premature to link the attack directly to the recent public hearing.
Dr. Chyrmang also confirmed that the petrol bomb did not result in any casualties. He said no staff members were injured and no official records, files or documents were damaged in the incident.
Police have registered a case and are reviewing CCTV footage, collecting forensic evidence and questioning witnesses. Investigators are expected to examine all possible angles, including whether the attack was intended as an act of intimidation related to the proposed mining project or stemmed from another motive.
Authorities have appealed to the public to share any information that could help identify the attackers as the investigation continues.
