Shillong, September 30: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has accused Meghalaya Police personnel of allegedly collecting money from truck drivers along the National Highway at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai, demanding an independent investigation into the matter.
Acting on complaints received from several people, a KSU team led by its Central Executive Council Education Secretary, Alerick Kharjana, visited Diengpasoh and Thangshalai on September 30 to verify the allegations.
The union claimed that its members recorded video footage purportedly showing police personnel collecting money from trucks transporting goods, minerals and food items. According to the KSU, drivers were allegedly being made to pay between ₹200 and ₹500 per vehicle.
The union questioned the circumstances under which the alleged collections were being carried out and sought clarification on whether any authority had authorised such payments. It also questioned whether East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, or other government representatives were aware of the alleged practice.
The KSU demanded accountability from the district administration and called for an independent and impartial investigation to establish the facts and ensure that any unlawful collection by law-enforcement personnel is stopped. It said it would soon submit a formal complaint to the appropriate authorities.
The union further alleged that the practice, if established, would indicate serious corruption within the Police Department. It said additional transportation costs could affect the prices of essential commodities and place a financial burden on consumers.
Seeking accountability, the KSU demanded the immediate removal of the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police and action against the Deputy Commissioner, alleging that the authorities had failed to prevent the purported activities.
The union said it would continue conducting inspections and take up complaints concerning alleged misuse of authority by police and other law-enforcement personnel.
The allegations are yet to be independently verified, and no response from the police or district administration was included in the information provided.
