The Meghalaya Humana Rights Commission (MHRC) had directed the Director General of Police to institute an enquiry into allegations against a police officer for snatching a phone of one Kronding Nongbsap for filming overloaded trucks.
In an order based on the complaint filed by social activist Agnes Kharshiing issued on January 8, the commission wanted the enquiry to be complete within 30 days to be conducted by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police.
“The Commission is of the view that the police is expected to uphold the rule of law and not become party to illegal violation of Government orders regarding movement of trucks over the Dwar Ksuid Bridge beyond the stipulated 10 MT and illegal transportation of coal,” the MHRC said.
The police officer, Amit Sinha, of Khapmara police outpost had allegedly snatched the phone that Nongbsap was using to take videos of the trucks, on December 30. Nongbsap has filed an FIR in this regard.
Nongbsap had told Highland Post that he, along with some members of the Hynñiewtrep People’s Federation (HPF), were keeping an eye on trucks that they suspected to have been carrying loads above the 10 tonne limit over the weakened bridge and then called Sinha, who said that nothing could be done about the matter. It was only after Nongbsap then phoned the Superintendent of Police that Sinha arrived and allegedly seized the phone. The complainant had also reportedly been accosted by one Bajop Maring.
