A major tragedy was averted in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district on Saturday evening after police safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) found at Umsning market. The timely response of the bomb disposal squad prevented what could have been a devastating explosion in the busy commercial area. According to Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh, a suspicious bag was discovered in a compound near the Meghalaya Rural Bank around dusk on October 11. “Upon examination, it was confirmed that the bag contained explosives,” Singh said, adding that the area was immediately cordoned off and the public evacuated to ensure safety. A Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), assisted by a K-9 unit, was swiftly deployed to the scene.
The explosive device was safely neutralised following standard operating procedures, with no damage or casualties reported.“On detailed analysis, the IED was found to be made using 4.7 kilograms of gelatine, 10 detonators, and around 50 iron rod pieces used as splinters,” Singh revealed. All explosive materials were seized for forensic examination, and the site was declared safe after a thorough sweep by the BDDS team. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act and launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. Authorities confirmed that one suspect has been identified, and efforts are underway to track and apprehend him.
Officials commended the alertness of locals who noticed the unattended bag and promptly reported it, allowing police to respond before any harm occurred. The SP also praised the swift coordination between the district police, bomb disposal team, and local administration. Normalcy has since been restored in Umsning market, though security has been heightened across Ri-Bhoi district as a precautionary measure. Investigators are examining whether the incident has links to any extremist outfit active in the region.