The KSU Shillong East Circle has come under fresh scrutiny after police arrested its general secretary Samuel Kharbani in connection with the violence that followed a Khasi Students’ Union rally in Shillong on August 19. The arrest came after Kharbani appeared before police for questioning in another matter.
According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the August 19 violence examined Kharbani’s alleged role during the investigation. Police said his involvement was established before he was taken into custody.
The development is significant because Kharbani is a senior office-bearer of the KSU Shillong Mihngi Circle, also referred to as the Shillong East Circle. However, reports do not support describing him as the circle president. Earlier reports identified Banjoplang Dkhar as the president of the circle.
Probe follows August 19 violence
The KSU rally on August 19 was organised as part of the union’s agitation over a five-point charter of demands. The black-flag motorcycle rally later turned violent at several locations in Shillong.
Police and media reports said vehicles were damaged, civilians were assaulted and public property was vandalised. Police later stated that two vehicles were burnt, 31 vehicles were vandalised and 18 people were assaulted during the unrest.
The violence prompted Meghalaya Police to form an SIT to identify those allegedly involved. The investigation has continued beyond the initial arrests of senior KSU leaders.
KSU Shillong East Circle member questioned
Kharbani was summoned along with another KSU member, Celestine Lyngdoh, on September 3. The questioning was initially linked to an earlier KSU protest concerning an under-construction temple at the Central Bureau of Investigation office premises in Mawdiangdiang.
However, police also examined their possible links to the August 19 violence. After questioning, authorities said they found grounds to arrest Kharbani, while Lyngdoh was released because investigators did not find his involvement in the violence.
The sequence has drawn criticism from KSU supporters, who have questioned the basis of the arrests. The union has alleged that its members are being targeted through what it describes as random arrests. Those allegations remain the organisation’s position and have not been established as fact.
Earlier arrests widened the case
Kharbani became the fifth person arrested in connection with the August 19 violence, according to police reports. Before him, authorities had arrested KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, general secretary Reuben Najiar and assistant organising secretary Jeremiah Pohthmi.
The three senior KSU leaders arrested on August 19 were later remanded to judicial custody. Jeremiah Pohthmi was arrested separately on August 24 in connection with the same violence case.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya High Court has taken note of the violence through a suo motu proceeding. The court has sought stronger investigative action and asked authorities to identify those responsible for the incidents. Reports said 22 FIRs had been registered across Shillong in connection with the unrest.
Investigation remains underway
The arrest of the KSU Shillong East Circle general secretary adds another layer to an investigation that has already widened beyond the union’s top leadership. Police have said identifying masked participants and establishing individual roles remains an important part of the probe.
For now, the allegations against the arrested leaders remain matters before the investigating authorities and courts. Their arrests do not by themselves establish guilt.
Overall, the August 19 violence continues to have legal and political consequences in Meghalaya. With the SIT pursuing additional leads and the High Court monitoring the investigation, further action will depend on evidence gathered during the ongoing probe.
