A fresh controversy over alleged police extortion has prompted the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) to demand the immediate removal of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. The demand was raised on Thursday following the circulation of video footage that purportedly captures police personnel extorting cash from commercial trucks at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai.
Allegations of Illegal Collections on Freight Routes
Addressing members of the press, KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar claimed that police personnel deployed along the route were actively extracting unauthorized payments from commercial transport vehicles. He cited findings from a sting operation organized under the leadership of the student body's Education Secretary, Eldrick Harjana. According to the union, the operation recorded personnel collecting sums of Rs 200 and Rs 500 from freight vehicles moving toward Shillong.
Najiar highlighted the broader economic implications of the alleged racket, pointing out that these vehicles transport essential supplies into the region. Unlawful extortion along supply routes directly drives up the operational costs of logistics, which could ultimately lead to higher retail prices for consumer essentials. He argued that field constables should not be made the sole scapegoats in the episode.
Accountability of Top Brass and Inquiry Demands
The student leader questioned whether senior administrative and police leadership were aware of the extortion practices occurring under their jurisdiction, referencing prior news coverage regarding similar allegations. Emphasizing the need for accountability, the union demanded a comprehensive investigation and stringent departmental proceedings against all guilty personnel. Najiar insisted that if the allegations against the systemic malpractice are substantiated, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police must be relieved of their posts.
Police Department Launches Probe and Dismantles Sheds
Following the public outcry, the East Khasi Hills Police administration initiated an inquiry into the allegations against the personnel, confirming that the identified constables would face suspension pending the outcome of the probe. Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that administrative action was triggered after monitoring video clips that began circulating across social media platforms.
According to Syiem, the constables had initially been assigned to the stretch for highway patrolling and freight security duties. However, the procedures and manner of vehicular checking visible in the footage appeared improper and justified suspicions regarding unlawful collections. Syiem stated that the personnel involved have been formally identified and will remain suspended while the inquiry proceeds.
In a parallel development on Thursday evening, personnel from the Special Operations Team (SOT) arrived at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai to tear down and dismantle the temporary sheds used by police personnel. This enforcement action was carried out within twenty-four hours of the initial allegations surfacing regarding illegal money collections from truck drivers in the region.
