Suspected IED blast in Shillong’s Police Bazar, area cordoned off

Shillong: A loud explosion occurred around 6:30 PM on Sunday in front of Shillong wine store, opposite Delhi Mistan Bhandar in Shillong’s commercial market, Police Bazar.

Officials from the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) suspect it to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) but no official confirmation has been given.

The blast led to a commotion, however, no casualties were reported as no individuals were said to be at the location and most shops were closed as it was a Sunday.

East Khasi Hills District Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtnger said, “Right now, it is difficult to say whether it is an IED blast or not as the bomb squad is still on the job but some kind of blast did take place.”

Asked about the intensity of the blast, he said that the bomb squads are still analysing it and will issue a press release once they have more details.

Nongtnger confirmed that there were no casualties or any damage to vehicles that were parked nearby.

The chief minister also took to social media to condemn the blast and said, “Strongly condemn the blast at Police Bazar, Shillong this evening. An attempt to disrupt peace and bring harm is nothing but a cowardly act. Perpetrators will not be spared. We will ensure peace prevails in the State.”

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui also shared on his social media page that today around 6.30 pm an IED blast was triggered at Police Bazar.

The Home Minister said that suspects have been identified and investigation is on. “I am sure that the police will be able to nab all the people involved. Strongly condemn this act and assure that peace will be maintained at all cost,” stated Rymbui.

Narrating the incident as an eyewitness, Deepak said that he was on his phone when the blast occurred. “I heard a loud blast and we all ran away from the area fearing that something major might happen. Luckily there was no one where the blast happened,” said Deepak.

Another passerby Samrat said, “We passed through that way and after ten minutes the bomb exploded it was a very loud explosion and we were in shock.”

“We saw police rushing to the spot. We were very scared and looked from a distance. There was so much panic at that time,” he added.

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