Explosives seized in Ri Bhoi

SHILLONG, AUG 20: One person was arrested after a large consignment of explosives was seized in Ri Bhoi district on Friday morning even as the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that they were more related to a stone quarry in the state.

The incident took place at around 1.10 am when Ri Bhoi police intercepted one vehicle bearing registration number AS-01 BV 8065 near Byrnihat Out Post which was proceeding towards Guwahati, Assam, police said.

The vehicle was initially signalled to stop at Umsning but the driver of the vehicle evaded the police team by speeding the vehicle, following which a police team pursued the vehicle and it was finally detained in Byrnihat, they said.

On searching the vehicle, 2044 nos. of aluminium instantaneous electrical detonator and 4027 nos. of neo-gel (gelatine sticks) were found inside the vehicle.

A criminal case was registered with the Nongpoh Police Station against the occupant of the vehicle under relevant provision of the Explosive Substances Act and the explosive substances have also been seized.

The investigation of the case is in progress to further ascertain the facts.

When asked, the Chief Minister told reporters that lots of investigation was done and the arrested person is yet to be released as has no documents with him.

He further informed that initial reports and findings revealed that there is no threat to law and order and that these particular detonator and gelatin sticks were more related to a stone quarry in certain parts of the state.

“We of course are not letting it end there, more investigation is on and the person concerned is still in police custody and only when we are satisfied that there will be no serious threat and there is no threat to our people and our state only then will we take the next action. But obviously since the person was moving this without any proper documents, a necessary case will be filed and action will be taken as per law,” he added.

Regarding the recent IED blast in Shillong, the Chief Minister said that a lot of information has been collected and the movement that took place on August 13 was also in line with that investigation, “the inputs we received and evidence we have collected”.

By Our Reporter