Lawngtlai: Lawngtlai Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga on Monday denied any involvement by the district administration in the alleged collection of money from commercial vehicles transporting goods towards Myanmar.
Speaking to media persons at his office chamber, the Deputy Commissioner first thanked the media for their cooperation and clarified reports circulating on social media alleging that people transporting goods to Myanmar through Lawngtlai had been collecting money with the knowledge of the Deputy Commissioner.
Lalruatsanga said the allegation was completely unknown to him and stressed that the District Administration has no legal authority to collect taxes or money from vehicles transporting goods or for any other such purpose.
He categorically stated that neither he nor the DC Office had any involvement in the alleged collection of money.
Describing the allegation as a serious matter, the Deputy Commissioner said an investigation was underway to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. He said efforts were being made to identify those responsible for the alleged misconduct and ensure that appropriate action was taken against them.
Lawngtlai Police are investigating the matter, he said, adding that action would be taken in accordance with the law against anyone found responsible.
The Deputy Commissioner also referred to a video circulating on social media in which a person, reportedly claiming to be a driver transporting scooters to Myanmar, alleged that their vehicle was stopped near Lawngtlai and they were forced to pay money.
According to Lalruatsanga, the person in the video further claimed that those collecting the money had told them that the Deputy Commissioner was aware of the collection.
The DC, however, reiterated that neither he nor the District Administration had any knowledge of or involvement in the alleged incident.
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