One person was severely injured after a clash erupted at a weighbridge in Amjok village, in the Byrnihat area of Ri-Bhoi, today.
There was danger that the incident could blow up, as the perpetrator is allegedly a Khasi Students Union member and the victim a Nepali.
One Johny Nongrum was arrested by police on suspicion of thrashing one Durga Thapa, an employee of the weighbridge.
The incident occurred after 8am today morning when a crowd made up of residents of the Byrnihat area gathered at the Amjok weighbridge and, subsequently, the situation deteriorated.
Residents were angry that they were charged for transporting local produce through the area; such weighbridges are usually only for coal, timber, etc.
Nongrum allegedly struck Thapa, who had to be rushed to hospital, following which members of the public chased after the perpetrator but further untoward incidents were avoided as he was arrested by police and taken to Nongpoh police station for questioning.
The weighbridge has now been shut, temporarily, on the order of the Ri-Bhoi District Magistrate.
