The East Jaintia Hills District Unit of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has escalated tensions surrounding the environmental public hearing for Shree Cement Limited by filing a formal FIR with the Crime Branch. The legal action targets key district administrators and pollution control authorities over allegations of procedural irregularities, suppression of public participation, and heavy-handed enforcement during the July 31 proceedings at Lum Syrman.
Targeted Officials and Named Individuals
The complaint specifically names East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Shailandra Bamaniya, Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) Environmental Engineer Franky Laloo, and MSPCB Member Secretary G.H. Chyrmang. Additionally, the KSU has implicated the Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh Na U I Jingkyrmen Sukhlain, Syrpai Sukhlain, Fencing Bareh, alongside residents of Moolasngi and Tongseng, accusing them of cooperating with interests aligned with Shree Cement to block landowners from attending.
Heavy Policing and Tear Gas Allegations
According to the filed complaint, heavy police detachments were mobilized around the Umpleng Cement Market starting from the evening of July 30. The student body asserts that police blocked local residents and affected landowners from advancing toward the venue, subsequently deploying tear gas within the civilian marketplace. The organization emphasized that this disproportionate action impacted a woman and a child.
Blocked Roads and Excavation Concerns
The situation escalated further on the morning of July 31 when travelers heading toward Lum Syrman were halted near Lad Tongseng around 5 am. The KSU alleged that individuals from Tongseng and Moolasngi pelted stones from elevated points at those attempting to join the hearing, while police personnel present at the scene failed to intervene or clear the route. Furthermore, the complaint highlights that a crucial public road connecting nearby settlements to the venue was excavated to a depth of approximately seven feet using heavy machinery shortly before the event.
Legal Demands and Anti-Corruption Inquiries
Arguing that these actions reduced the statutory consultation to a nullity, the KSU has demanded a comprehensive investigation into potential financial quid pro quo under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The organization is pressing for criminal charges under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, environmental legislation, and property destruction laws, calling for strict disciplinary action and independent inquiries against the named officials.
