Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union wants an independent probe into an alleged extortion racket run by Meghalaya Police in East Khasi Hills. The union submitted a formal request to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday. KSU assistant general secretary Pynshai Rani claimed officers are shaking down truckers for 200 to 500 rupees at Mawkhanu-Diengpasoh and Thangshalai.
This demand follows a September 30 sting operation. The union recorded 30 to 40 trucks paying off police to avoid harassment or physical violence. Rani urged the government to treat his report as a formal FIR. He argued the police cannot investigate their own. The union also wants district SP Vivek Syiem and Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal removed immediately to stop any tampering with evidence or witnesses.
The KSU slammed the local authorities for tearing down the temporary shacks used for the racket before evidence could be secured. They want departmental proceedings against the SP and arrests if guilt is proven. Despite these demands, the government is standing firm. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong dismissed calls for the SP to resign. He claimed the extortion was an isolated incident. Tynsong said, "The SP cannot be responsible for any extortion."
Authorities have already suspended four police personnel and transferred the Diengpasoh officer-in-charge pending a preliminary inquiry. Tynsong promised further corrective action if more illegal activities come to light across the state.
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