Meghalaya Police have arrested two alleged overground workers of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) in connection with an improvised explosive device blast at a Dhar Company site in Shymplong village of East Jaintia Hills district. The arrests were made on December 18 following investigations into the explosion that took place three days earlier.
The blast occurred on December 15 at a workers’ campsite, damaging a water tanker parked at the site. Although the driver was inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion, he escaped without injuries, and no casualties were reported. Police officials said the device contained high-grade explosives, including commercial gelatin sticks, a finding later confirmed by the bomb detection squad.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said the arrested duo confessed to planting the explosive device. He added that the incident appeared to be part of a wider conspiracy, prompting the formation of a special investigation team to pursue additional leads and identify others involved in the act.
A case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder, terrorist acts and mischief, along with relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act. Police clarified that no sections related to death were applied, as the incident did not result in any loss of life.
The HNLC has claimed responsibility for the blast, alleging it was carried out after the company refused to meet extortion demands purportedly linked to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar. However, police dismissed the outfit’s claim that the attack caused a fatality, stating that reports circulating on social media about deaths were false.
Authorities said the accused will be produced before a court on December 19, and police will seek their remand for further questioning. Security agencies have also intensified operations to track down other suspects connected to the case.
