Shillong: Khasi Students’ Union members caught police taking bribes on the Shillong Bypass. The KSU team inspected the Mawryngkneng area this past Wednesday after fielding numerous complaints from local truckers. Led by CEC Education Secretary Alerick Kharjana, the group performed spot checks at the neighboring villages of Diengpasoh and Thangshalai.
KSU members recorded video evidence of officers demanding between Rs 200 and Rs 500 from vehicles. The shakedowns target trucks hauling food, earth, and various construction materials. The Union insists these payments happen around the clock. The group questioned how such collections could allegedly continue “day and night” without the knowledge or authorisation of senior police officials.
The organization now demands an independent inquiry into the illegal activity. They want to know if East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem and Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal know about the payments. The KSU claims these officials should be removed for failing to stop the practice on their watch. Members plan to file formal complaints with the district administration shortly. They warned that further inspections will target any law enforcement personnel linked to this corruption.
Updated at 2nd October 2026 at 9:47am
Following the union's expose, East Khasi Hills police suspended a head constable and three constables. The officer-in-charge of the Diengpasoh Police Station was also transferred out. Authorities moved quickly to dismantle the temporary sheds at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai that served as hubs for the alleged shakedowns.
SP Vivek Syiem clarified that while no cash was recovered during a preliminary sweep of the sites, the video evidence is disturbing. He noted that the scenes shown in the clips do not reflect proper police procedure, which requires officers to be armed and perform checks in the open with authorized equipment. The SP stated that his department cannot monitor every officer on the beat but maintains zero tolerance for corruption.
The department has launched a formal departmental inquiry into the misconduct. Officials warned that personnel who claim they were acting on orders from superiors will be held accountable. Social Welfare Department adviser Paul Lyngdoh backed the probe, stating that while the accused must face consequences, the administration should wait for the investigation results before considering the removal of senior officials like the DC and SP.
Police have urged truckers to bypass these illegal demands and report harassment immediately by dialing 112 or contacting the Shillong Police Control Room at 6009196479.
Comments