Shillong: Truck drivers traveling along National Highway 6 in Meghalaya have accused police personnel of operating a systematic extortion racket. Drivers claim they are frequently forced to pay illegal fees at numerous highway checkpoints, with total costs reaching up to Rs 5,000 per trip. According to those working the route, officers rarely verify vehicle documents or permits, focusing instead on demanding cash under threat of harassment.
The Mawryngkneng checkpoint has been identified by truckers as a primary location for these activities. Drivers allege that officers demand between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 at this specific site, while other locations along the highway collect smaller amounts ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 600. When reporters visited the area on Monday, truckers noted the unusual absence of police personnel, suggesting that officers vacated the post to avoid scrutiny.
One driver expressed the frustration felt by many working the route, stating, "This is not checking documents—this is organised theft." Another trucker noted that they are often targeted because they are from outside the state, leaving them vulnerable to intimidation and physical abuse if they refuse to pay. These illegal demands add to an already difficult financial environment caused by rising fuel costs and operational expenses.
Affected drivers have issued a direct appeal to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to address the corruption. They warned that if the situation persists, transport operators may abandon Meghalaya routes entirely to avoid the harassment. The drivers emphasized that these unchecked payments are hurting their livelihoods and damaging the state economy.
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