Shillong, Oct 31: In yet another incident of mob violence driven by witchcraft accusations, a family escaped an attack by a mob of around 200 people in Sohra.
The attack was perpetrated on the house of Ham Shangpliang at Khliehshnong, Sohra last night.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said incident occurred around 9.30 pm, when the house of Shangpliang was surrounded and vandalised by an angry crowd.
Police teams along with magistrates from Sohra went to the spot and took measures to protect the residents. However, the mob started pelting stones at police and SOT, and had also snatched the riot gears from their possession, which were later recovered, he said.
In total, 21 persons, including minors were rescued after minimal force was used to disperse the unruly mob, the SP said.
The rescued people were later sent to Shillong Civil Hospital for medical assistance.
He said nine accused persons have been arrested and a case has been registered in Sohra Police Station.
“Spreading rumours or inciting people of being menshohnoh is a criminal offence as it has the potential to lead to loss of innocent lives and property,” Syiem warned.
Preliminary inquiry suggested that the incident stems from claims made by a minor boy that he had “visions” of Ham Shangpliang and believed himself to be under a witchcraft spell (ai ksuid). This unverified claim reportedly sparked fear and mob mobilisation among locals, culminating in the attack.
Meghalaya has seen a number of lynching and thrashing cases over suspicion of witchcraft (menshohnoh/ai ksuid/ai-taro). This month, police have made two rescues, one in Kynroh Nongbri village and another in Lawmei.
