Shillong, Aug 3 (IANS) Two unidentified masked men allegedly hurled petrol bombs at the office of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) in Shillong on Monday before fleeing the scene, prompting police to launch a manhunt.
No casualties or damage to property were reported in the incident, officials said.
According to police, the attack took place between 12 p.m. and 12.30 p.m. when the two assailants arrived on a scooter and threw two petrol bombs at the MSPCB office. The devices landed within the office premises, but fortunately did not cause any injuries or significant damage.
Officials said the accused escaped immediately after carrying out the attack.
An official of the Pollution Control Board confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged with the police, following which a forensic team visited the spot to collect evidence.
“We have filed an FIR. The police and forensic experts inspected the office and gathered evidence from the scene,” the official said.
Shillong City Superintendent of Police Dangsan Khyriem confirmed the incident and said a criminal case would be registered based on the complaint submitted by the Pollution Control Board.
“Two petrol bombs were hurled at the office. We have initiated an investigation and a case will be registered on the basis of the FIR,” Khyriem said.
Police have begun analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding area in an effort to identify the two masked suspects.
A search operation has also been launched to trace those involved in the attack.
The incident occurred just days after the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in East Jaintia Hills district.
The project had witnessed opposition from sections of the local community.
However, police officials said it would be premature to link Monday’s attack with the recent public hearing or the proposed mining project.
“We are investigating all possible angles. At this stage, no motive has been established, and it is too early to draw any conclusions regarding the reason behind the attack,” Khyriem said.
Police said the investigation is continuing to ascertain the motive and identify those responsible.
–IANS
tdr/uk
