Shillong, Mar 28: A viral video on social media has triggered widespread outrage after a man was seen allegedly impersonating a police officer and assaulting a local driver.
In the footage, the man was hurling abuses and threatening the driver, claiming he would shoot him with a “pistol,” while also physically assaulting him with punches and slaps. He further warned the driver of being jailed, creating the impression that he was acting in an official capacity.
With widespread assumptions that the man was a cop, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem clarified that investigations revealed him to be a civilian.
Syiem said that the police have initiated a suo motu case against the aggressor ensuring that appropriate legal actions are pursued against him.
The incident has sparked intense discussions on social media platforms, with many expressing outrage over the man’s actions. Local pressure groups, such as the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) and the Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC), have condemned the behaviour of the individual posing as a police officer.
They affirm that no one, regardless of their connections, should misuse their influence to intimidate others.
Chief Organising Secretary of the FKJGP, Khrawkupar Nongsiej stated that the FKJGP has received information that the person has links with a political party through his family.
“Therefore the FKJGP warns that those who feel they have links with the government authorities should not take advantage of the opportunity to intimidate the people,” Nongsiej stated in a press release.
The FKJGP has warned that if the law does not impose strict penalties, they will take further measures to address the situation independently.
