Shillong: East Khasi Hills police arrested Niwanhi Dkhar of Mawlai Syllaikariah this Saturday for impersonating members of the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation and the Khasi Students’ Union. Dkhar allegedly used these identities to demand cash from citizens and business owners. He remains in police custody.
HITO leaders met with Superintendent of Police Dangsan Khyriem on Monday to discuss the investigation. The organization filed an FIR on September 3 but kept the case quiet to ensure the arrest. Investigators believe the accused threatened victims over the phone to squeeze them for money.
A non-tribal businessman from Assam reported that Dkhar demanded funds by falsely claiming the money would secure the release of detained KSU leaders. HITO officials suspect an organized group might be behind similar threats. They warned the public not to give in to these intimidation tactics.
HITO president Donbok Dkhar stated, "We appeal to anyone, who has been approached for money in the name of HITO, including those who have already paid, to come forward and lodge an FIR." Mawlai Circle vice president Joshua Hesly Kharsyntiew and working president Arkodius Syiemlich also signed the formal complaint demanding immediate legal action.
Updated at 23rd September 2026 at 9:47am
In a separate development, the KSU has served legal notices on East Khasi Hills SP (City) Dangsan Khyriem and SP Traffic Hari Prasath MR. The union demands a formal retraction and public apology regarding statements made about its leadership and members. The notice warns the officials to comply within 15 days.
Prasath confirmed the police received the notice on Tuesday but declined to comment on the allegations. He stated the police will address the demands through established legal channels rather than public discourse, emphasizing that the department must follow strict procedural protocols in matters involving litigation.
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