Shillong, September 18: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Central Executive Council on Friday rejected allegations linking its members to the scooty incident that seriously injured Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Lovish Garg during a naka checking operation in Shillong.
The union expressed concern over the incident and said it regretted any occurrence resulting in injuries to police personnel or members of the public. It, however, questioned the basis on which police suspected that the two men riding the scooty were KSU members. “Are all two-wheeler riders in Shillong now KSU members?” the union asked, alleging that its name had been linked to the incident before the identities of the suspects were established.
The KSU demanded that police disclose the evidence supporting their claim, including CCTV footage or other material, and establish the facts through a proper investigation. “If the persons have violated the law, arrest them, present the evidence and prove the case before a court. The law must operate on evidence, not assumptions or allegations,” the union said.
The KSU clarified that it was not defending the scooty riders or claiming that they were innocent. It maintained that the law should identify and punish those responsible, irrespective of their organisational affiliation. The union said it would neither seek leniency nor shield any member found guilty of wrongdoing. However, it would not allow its reputation to be damaged through what it described as unsubstantiated allegations. “If the police have clear evidence that the riders are KSU members, they should present it and proceed according to law,” the union said.
The KSU also urged traffic authorities and police to conduct a fair and impartial investigation based solely on evidence. It said there should not be different standards of justice for ordinary citizens and members of organisations.
“If the riders committed an offence, arrest and punish them according to law. If they are KSU members, show the evidence. Until adequate evidence is available, an allegation should not be presented as fact,” it added. The statement was issued by KSU CEC Information and Publicity Secretary Pynshai Kupar M Dkhar.
