North Garo Hills police arrested at least four persons among a huge group of activists that went to inspect a petrol pump in Mendipathar before ending up demanding Rs 10 lakhs and later filling their car/bike tanks and snatching away the keys to the pump.
The incident took place yesterday at 4 pm when a group of activists who identified themselves as members of the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), visited the Super Energy Point and accused the pump of pilferage. They were accompanied by three people of Assamese descent, including one Trelen Deka.
An FIR into the incident was filed by the fuel station representative at the Mendipathar PS this morning though the police were called while the incident was taking place.
“Upon reaching the pump, they immediately threatened the Dispensing Selling Man (DSM) and demanded that they wanted to check the delivery. Upon checking they found the delivery and measurement to be fine but threatened that they would share the videos they were taking on social media and blame the attendants of giving short supply and shut down the pump,” said the FIR.
The FIR stated that the attendants told the activists to file a complaint with the supply department, LMD, the police or to the DC if they had any complaints for further checks if required.
“They did not agree, threatened the staff and demanded an amount of Rs 10 lakhs before bringing down the amount to Rs 2 lakh. When refused, they filled their car tanks (reg: AR01DC4889, ML08A1456, another 4-5 cars whose numbers could not be noted and many bikes) and closed the outlet. They also tried to beat the attendants who ran to their quarters for safety,” added the FIR.
When the police was contacted, they immediately swung into action. However when the activists became aware of the impending police arrival, they fled from the spot long with the keys to the depot.
The keys were later returned by one Nrilen Deka, who was part of the group, through two people. Deka was earlier involved and arrested in attempting to extort from a petrol pump in Tura. He was recently out on bail.
Superintendent of police, Abraham T Sangma said that four of the miscreants were arrested. The arrested activists were all from the district. However some other members, including the chairman, Balkarin Marak, Ryan Marak and recently released Rahul Marak have absconded. We are on the lookout,” said Abraham.
The incident was caught on CCTV of the petrol pump.
