KHNAM has called for accountability regarding the escort that killed a civilian.
Thomas Passah, the working president of KHNAM, stated today that the recent incident, in which a VIP escort caused the death of a young man and severely injured his companion, highlights the problematic VIP culture in our state.
The deceased was identified as Huddersfield Rymbui (30) from Nongtalang Mission, West Jaintia Hills, while the injured pillion rider is Daphisha Dkhar (30) from Madanrting.
Passah referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Abhay Singh v The Union of India, which labeled red beacons as a “menace.”
Although the red beacon lights are heavily restricted, such is not the case with the sirens that are still used on VIP vehicles. The red beacons are also used on police vehicles that are part of the escorts of VIPs.
Passah noted that many individuals who use vehicles equipped with red lights show little respect for the law and demonstrate contempt for ordinary citizens. He pointed out that the Supreme Court has indicated that the use of red lights on vehicles for public officials and civil servants in India is unmatched in democratic nations.
He also said that the movement of these VIPs using red beacons has frequently led to serious traffic congestion, accidents and significant inconvenience for the general public.
“We extend our condolences to the family for their loss. Since the FIR has been filed, those responsible for this display of power – resulting in the death of civilians – must be penalised promptly. Given that this was a hit-and-run incident, we invoke Section 106(2) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita 2023, among other applicable laws. We do not want this case to progress slowly or for it to be swept under the rug as people forget about it,” Passah said.
“We condemn this VIP culture, and we must abolish such a system. We also want to remind everyone that in a past incident, a commercial vehicle collided with the Chief Minister’s car, and the driver was charged with attempted murder under the IPC. Now, with a VIP motorcade causing the death of a civilian, why shouldn’t those involved be held accountable?” he questioned.
