Shillong: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem has ordered an inquiry into allegations of illegal collection of money from truckers along the National Highway in the Mawkhanu-Thangshalai area after videos circulated on social media purportedly showed truck drivers handing over money at roadside sheds.
Syiem said he ordered the inquiry after becoming aware of the videos and allegations raised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), and directed SP City Dangsan Khyriem to conduct a preliminary inquiry.
“We have ascertained the constables who had gone to those sheds,” Syiem said.
According to the SP, the constables had been deployed to patrol the area and ensure the safety of trucks during the evening and night hours following requests from truckers’ associations and others amid frequent incidents of dacoity.
However, Syiem said the videos raised concerns over the manner in which the personnel were carrying out their duties and whether money had been illegally collected.
“By the look of the video, there is a chance that these people may have collected money illegally, which merits inquiry,” he said.
He said the videos showed truck drivers going to a shed to hand over money, adding that this was not how police checking or deployment should be conducted.
“Checking was not appropriate and there is some level of suspicion out there, for which I am going to conduct an inquiry,” Syiem said.
The SP said the constables allegedly involved would be suspended, while the district transfer committee would decide whether the Officer-in-Charge of the concerned area should be transferred.
The KSU on Wednesday alleged that Meghalaya Police personnel were collecting between Rs 200 and Rs 500 from trucks at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai.
Acting on complaints, a KSU team led by Alerick Kharjana, Education Secretary of the KSU Central Executive Committee, visited Diengpasoh and Thanglaskai on September 30 to verify the allegations.
The organisation claimed that its members recorded videos during the inspection that allegedly showed police personnel collecting money from trucks. It alleged that trucks carrying construction materials, earth and other goods, as well as vehicles transporting food items, were being asked to pay.
The KSU questioned who had authorised the alleged collections and whether senior officials, including the East Khasi Hills SP and Deputy Commissioner, were aware of the practice.
The organisation demanded an independent state government inquiry and action against those found responsible. It also called for the removal of the East Khasi Hills SP and Deputy Commissioner, alleging that the collections had taken place under their supervision.
Responding to the allegations, Syiem urged truck drivers not to pay money to police personnel on the road.
“I would like to urge all truck drivers that they should not pay money to any policeman who is on the road in my district, East Khasi Hills, for that matter anywhere,” he said.
He asked truckers to report any illegal demand or collection of money by police personnel or non-state actors through the police control number or emergency number 112. Complaints can also be submitted at the SP’s office if other channels do not respond or the response is unsatisfactory.
“We will accordingly take action,” he said.
Syiem reiterated that East Khasi Hills Police has “zero tolerance” towards illegal collection of money.
“East Khasi Hills Police has zero tolerance to any form of illegal collection of money,” he said.
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