Correspondent
SHILLONG, OCT 1 (NPN): Meghalaya Police on Thursday suspended four police constables and transferred the officer-in-charge of Diengpasoh police station following allegations of extortion from truckers along the Shillong Bypass road in East Khasi Hills district.
The police department took action after members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday exposed the alleged extortion racket by police personnel in the Mawkhanu and Thangshalai areas along the Bypass road, where truckers were forced to pay amounts ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500 at sheds where police presence was reported.
Although no money was recovered during the preliminary inquiry, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem acknowledged that the videos shared by the KSU were “disturbing” and indicated the clear possibility of police personnel collecting money on the highway.
During the preliminary inquiry conducted by a team headed by Superintendent of Police (Shillong City) Dangsan Khyriem, it was ascertained that the police constables had been deployed at the checkpoints to prevent incidents of robbery and theft along the Shillong Bypass.
To ensure objectivity, transparency and an impartial enquiry, one Head Constable and three Unarmed Branch Constables have been placed under suspension pending enquiry,” Syiem said, adding that the Officer-in-Charge of Diengpasoh Police Station has been transferred out in furtherance of the investigation. Stating that the videos regarding the illegal collection of money from heavy vehicles are “serious and require a thorough and impartial examination”, the police official assured that appropriate departmental proceedings will be initiated on the basis of the findings of the enquiry.
He also reiterated Meghalaya Police’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
“There is zero tolerance for any form of illegal collection of money, extortion, or corruption by police personnel, and any such misconduct, if established, will invite strict departmental action in accordance with the rules,” Syiem assured.