Shillong, Oct 1: Four police personnel have been suspended and the officer-in-charge of Diengpasoh Police Station has been transferred following allegations of illegal collection of money from trucks on the highway.
The action by East Khasi Hills police came after videos and social media reports surfaced on Wednesday night showing police personnel allegedly collecting money from truckers.
District Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem today said a preliminary inquiry was conducted by a team headed by SP (City) Dangsan Khyriem after the videos came to light.
According to Syiem, the inquiry found that police personnel had been deployed at checkpoints to prevent incidents of robbery and theft. No money was recovered during the inquiry but he added that the videos were “disturbing” and indicated the possibility of police personnel collecting money on the highway.
“We have placed these constables – one head constable and three constables – who were on duty at that time under suspension. The OC of Diengpasoh has been transferred,” Syiem said.
He said a thorough inquiry would now be conducted to ensure that the matter was examined impartially and objectively.
The police action comes amid criticism from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), which questioned whether the police could investigate allegations against its own personnel.
Responding, Syiem said the inquiry was being conducted against the individuals involved and stressed that the district police has more than 2,500 personnel, making it difficult to monitor every person on duty at all times.
“Sometimes if there is any malfeasance, any form of misconduct, they (the public and civic groups) are always free to report. We are all open to inquiry,” he said.
The SP also issued a direct appeal to truck drivers and owners not to make any payment to police personnel while passing through the highway.
“If there is any form of harassment, they can call our police control number 6009196479 and the emergency number 112,” Syiem said, adding that complaints could also be submitted directly to the SP’s office.
