Shillong, Oct 14: The East Khasi Hills administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into alleged extortion of transporters by police at Thangshalai check-post.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal on Wednesday said the probe was ordered after a video recorded during a sting by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) went viral, purportedly showing policemen collecting money from trucks at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai.
Baranwal said while police have submitted their findings and suspended four personnel pending inquiry, the administration wants an independent examination.
“We don’t want to rely solely on the police version. The inquiry will hear all sides – including KSU, transporters who faced extortion, and accused police personnel,” he said.
A senior Additional District Magistrate will lead the probe, with powers to summon individuals and fix responsibility. The report is due by October 31.
KSU’s videos have brought into open a practice long whispered about on the state’s highways.
