Shillong: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told the public to file formal complaints if they see cops breaking the law. He dismissed recent social media attacks and a deepfake video targeting him and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. The video alleged illegal money collection from trucks on the Shillong Bypass. Police are currently investigating the AI-generated footage. Syiem argued the actions of a few individuals do not reflect the entire force of 2,500 officers.
HITO hit back hard. The group rejected the idea that filing an FIR equates to achieving justice. They argued that public anger over corruption at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai is legitimate. Past videos previously triggered the suspension of four policemen and the transfer of the Diengpasoh station officer. HITO questioned why officials only act after claims go viral.
The organization pointed to a history of warnings. They submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister on 14 February 2024. This followed an RTI application filed in September 2022. They cited the Meghalaya Police Act, 2010, which mandates two-year tenures for key roles. HITO stated: "Criticism is not corruption. A poster is not a deepfake. Dissent is not a crime." They demanded a transparent inquiry into the highway allegations and a formal review of long-term police postings.
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