Shillong, Oct 5: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged illegal collection of money from trucks by police personnel at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai along the Shillong Bypass following its inspection on September 30.
Addressing reporters today, KSU leader Shining Star Kharbihkhiew said the union acted after receiving complaints from the public and truck drivers operating on the bypass.
“On September 30, following complaints from public and truck drivers at Shillong Bypass, Thangshalai and Mawkhanu, we witnessed open extortion and illegal collection of money by police,” he said.
KSU said police authorities have maintained that the setup at the two points was meant to check documents and vehicles.
“Police authorities have maintained that the setup is to check documents and vehicles but we have seen the videos that not a single driver or handyman went to the setup with documents or challan but cash of Rs 200-500,” Kharbihkhiew said.
The union said the videos circulating on social media speak for themselves.
“The videos have spoken everything and it is the duty of the government and Home Department to punish the offenders,” KSU said.
The controversy erupted after the union put out videos showing drivers handing over cash at two temporary sheds at Mawkhanu under Diengpasoh Police Station and Thangshalai under Mawryngkneng Police Station. The union alleged that trucks carrying goods, minerals and food items had to pay a fixed amount of Rs 200 to Rs 500 day and night, and questioned whether senior officials had authorised such a practice.
“We saw the departmental proceedings but to find the truth we want the people involved whether the SP East Khasi Hills or DC, the government should transfer them so that the independent inquiry is fair and clean,” the union said.
The KSU is pressing for an independent probe to identify the offenders and punish them according to law, and demanded transfer of SP East Khasi Hills and Deputy Commissioner to ensure a fair and clean investigation.
Although police have suspended three constables, one head constable and transferred the officer in charge of the Dienpasoh Police Station, the KSU said that such corruption is systematic and would not be carried out by lower ranks without the approval of higher-ups.
Such extortion has led to rise in prices of essential commodities, as the cost of the corruption is passed on to consumers, the KSU said.
