The police said a car of Mining and Geology Minister Donkupar Massar was torched by a mob at Pynursla this evening. The car was parked at a circuit house.
The trouble began when Massar this morning allegedly threatened and assaulted some people during the council polls in the Nengshken area.
Later, angry people took to the streets in protest against the minister's action. Not finding Massar, the mob barged into the circuit house where his vehicles were parked and set one of them on fire.
Senior police officials have gone to the spot as tension ran high in the area.
The minister could not be contacted for his comments. Massar is under police probe in connection with three criminal cases registered against him on charges of assault and threats.
Massar has been accused of assaulting four labourers in Borsora in West Khasi Hills district and also the Pongtung village headman Wallambok Lyngdoh in East Khasi Hills district.