Meghalaya Police have arrested two men in connection with an improvised explosive device (IED) blast that took place at a construction site in East Jaintia Hills earlier this month. The police said that the investigation is continuing and security measures have been stepped up in the area to prevent similar attacks. The blast happened around 12.15 am on December 15 at the campus of the Dhar construction company near Shymplong village. According to the police, the explosion damaged a water tanker truck parked inside the site. Forensic experts later confirmed that an IED had been used in the incident. No injury or loss of life was reported, but the explosion raised concerns about safety at construction sites in the district.
Police officials identified the arrested men as Richard Suchen, 31, and Pynshaitbor Syih, 45. Both are residents of Shymplong village. The officials said that the case was registered at Lumshnong Police Station on December 16 under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosive Substances Act. The two accused were detained, questioned, and later formally arrested after preliminary evidence was collected. Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar, informed that the investigation has also identified a third suspect, Smiki Tongper, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind the blast. Police believe that Tongper planned the attack and coordinated with the two arrested men, along with another person suspected to be linked to the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). Police said that the role of the banned group is being investigated. According to officials, Tongper has been absconding since the blast. He is also wanted in another case registered at the Khliehriat Woman Police Station under charges related to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Police stated that they are treating both matters with seriousness and have intensified search operations.
During a search of Tongper’s house, police recovered several items believed to be connected to the IED blast. These included three rolls of safety fuse, three detonators with six empty caps, a quantity of gunpowder, 82 metal splinters, a country-made rifle, and two Baofeng wireless handsets. Investigators say that these items point to a coordinated effort to plan the attack and indicate access to explosive-related materials. Police officials have appealed to the public in East Jaintia Hills and surrounding areas to share any information that may help in locating the remaining suspects. Authorities have assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential. They also said that suitable rewards will be given for credible information that assists in the investigation.