Shillong: Shillong streets face a growing vigilante problem. Members of the All Vehicles Rental Association of Meghalaya took matters into their own hands Tuesday at Keating Road. They apprehended an unlicensed operator who admitted to renting five scooters to tourists without proper licenses or records. Police later stepped in to handle the case, but the incident signals a failure by the District Transport Office to enforce basic safety rules.
The city's rental sector fell under scrutiny one year ago. A brutal murder involving a couple who rented a vehicle from Keating Road forced the state to promise stricter verification systems. That promise failed. Unlicensed businesses now operate openly and even list their services on Google Maps to attract tourists. The situation remains dangerous.
AVRAM officials claim the government is sleeping at the wheel. One leader stated, "The government must tighten its noose on illegal operators." The association continues to lobby for the removal of unauthorized listings. They warn tourists to avoid unregistered services, yet the illegal market thrives. Unless the District Transport Office shifts from reactive measures to active oversight, the sector will continue to function like the Wild West.
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