Indicating that the illegal trade in coal is still very much alive, North Garo Hills police today seized a truck after it broke down while trying to evade the authorities by using a village road near Wageasi.
The Assam-registered truck, which was only caught because it suffered a breakdown, was found near the village of Bugakol, close to National Highway 62 near 7th Mile.
According to information received, the truck broke down in the middle of the road last night and was found this morning in an abandoned state. It had been blocking the narrow, forcing early morning traffic to halt. Villagers claimed that there were several other trucks on the road that night but only this one was seized because of the breakdown.
“These heavy trucks are moving through the night through our village road. This movement has almost damaged the main bridge and God forbid if it does, we are going to be in serious trouble. What we don’t understand is how these trucks are still plying when no transportation of coal has been allowed in Garo Hills,” said a local.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo People of nearby Dainadubi has sought an investigation into the alleged movement of illegal coal trucks during the night.
Confirming the development, Superintendent of Police, Abraham T Sangma, said that the truck (AS 18 9459) was seized this morning and an investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.
