Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today said that the district machineries have been directed to keep a check on extortion in the name of donations.
Reports on the rise of cases of extortion from shops and business establishments in Shillong have been a cause of concern. In most of the cases, business communities in the city have to dole out money in the name of donations by NGOs and individuals.
Tynsong said collection of money or donations from individuals, shopkeepers and market places has not been authorised to anybody.
“We have instructed the district Administration and the police department to take action against groups involved in extortion in Shillong, and until and unless you get the permission from the Deputy Commissioner, you cannot just go and collect donations,” he said.
Till October, East Khasi Hills police have arrested eight persons including a woman for serving extortion notes to shops in the Police Bazar area.
The extortion letters, receipt books and receipt slips purported to be from little-known organisations, such as the Hynniewtrep People Defense Alliance, United Khasi Movement, Federation of Khasi United People, Confederation of Meghalaya People, Khun Hynniewtrep Youth Council, Hynniewtrep Youth Regions and Ki Khlur U Hynniewtrep.
Police have urged business establishments to provide information to the police in order to crack down on the criminal activity.
