SHILLONG, JUL 15: A brief bomb scare disrupted normal life in the heart of Shillong on Wednesday after an abandoned bag and trolley were spotted near the OB Mall parking at Khyndailad.
The alarm was raised around 11.30 am when people noticed the luggage lying unattended. Word spread quickly and shoppers in the busy commercial area panicked.
Police rushed to the spot, sealed off the parking area and blocked all vehicles coming from IGP towards Khyndailad.
The cordon triggered heavy traffic jams across the city center during peak hours.
A bomb disposal team was called in. But before they reached, the owner turned up at 12.30 pm to claim the items.
Police said the man had parked the trolley and bag while heading to the MUDA complex for work and had forgotten to collect them.
After verifying his identity and statement, officers cleared the area and reopened the road for traffic.
The crowd, which had gathered in anxiety, broke into relief and cheers once the owner was identified.
No suspicious material was found.
Police have appealed to the public to report unattended baggage immediately and avoid leaving belongings in public places.
