Meghalaya High Court summons police over assault and public parading of advocate

The High Court of Meghalaya summoned East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem after an incident in Shillong where advocate A.H. Hazarika, accused in a sexual‑assault case, was forcibly taken from his chambers, assaulted and paraded on foot to Sadar Police Station by members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF). The court criticised the police for failing to intervene, ordered seizure of CCTV footage and warned that lawlessness undermines state duty. In response, police registered a suo motu criminal assault case and arrested four HNYF leaders – the East Khasi Hills president, Laban Circle president, general secretary and organising secretary – who appear before the court. The video of the parading went viral, sparking public debate over vigilantism and the treatment of accused individuals while investigations continue.