In relation to the suspected deadly assault on ACHIK activist Dilseng Sangma in Goalgaon under Rajabala Police Station on Friday, West Garo Hills Police have so far detained four people.The fourth suspect in the investigation was taken into custody on Sunday, according to police sources. Earlier, three people were taken into custody.A bunch of miscreants attacked Sangma, one of the ACHIK members who had gone to investigate and close an illegal stone quarry.
The four perpetrators were apprehended after the district police intervened amid escalating tensions following the event. The owner of the illegal quarry, however, escaped before the police could reach his home, so he is still at large. The crisis was contained, and peace talks are taking place in Tura, Phulbari, and Rajabala. According to official sources, searches and raids are being carried out to make sure the offenders are held accountable. In the meantime, in response to Sangma’s assault-murder, the West Garo Hills Forest Department initiated a significant campaign against the establishment of illicit stone quarries and brick kilns.All unlawful quarries operating in violation of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMMCR) 2016 are the target of the crackdown, which is being spearheaded by the state forest department in cooperation with the district administration and police department.
Since January 8, the agency has been aggressively conducting operations in Pipulbari, Tangaon, and Rajabala—regions where reports of illegal mineral extraction have been made.The crackdown has led to the confiscation of cars involved in the illicit activity, the seizure of apparatus and equipment used in unlawful extraction, and the initiation of judicial actions against offenders under pertinent provisions of the MMMCR upon identification and verification.