Shillong, October 1: The East Khasi Hills Police have suspended four police personnel and transferred the Officer-in-Charge of Diengpasoh Police Station following allegations that police personnel deployed at temporary check posts were collecting money from heavy vehicles.
The action followed reports and videos circulated on social media after members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) entered check posts at Mawkhanu under Diengpasoh Police Station and Thangshalai under Mawryngkneng Police Station, alleging illegal collection of money from heavy vehicles.
According to a press release issued by East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, IPS, a preliminary enquiry was immediately initiated by Superintendent of Police (City) Dangsan Khyriem, MPS, along with other senior police officers.
The preliminary enquiry established that personnel from Diengpasoh Police Station had been deployed by the Officer-in-Charge for naka checking at a temporary check post at Mawkhanu. Police said the stated purpose of the naka was to prevent theft, robbery and dacoity involving highway travellers and to strengthen security along the highway.
Police, however, said the allegations of illegal collection of money were serious and required a thorough and impartial examination. During preliminary verification, no money was found in the possession of personnel present at the Mawkhanu check post, while no money was found at the temporary shed at Thangshalai. Police clarified that the absence of money during verification does not, by itself, conclusively prove or disprove the allegations made in the videos. In view of the seriousness of the allegations and concerns over the conduct of personnel while on duty, a departmental enquiry has been initiated.
To ensure an objective and impartial investigation, one Head Constable and three Unarmed Branch Constables have been placed under suspension pending enquiry, while the Officer-in-Charge of Diengpasoh Police Station has been transferred out.
A Special Team was also dispatched on Wednesday morning for further verification and investigation at the locations concerned. The two temporary sheds at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai have also been dismantled.
The East Khasi Hills Police reiterated that there would be zero tolerance towards illegal collection of money, extortion or corruption by police personnel and said strict departmental action would follow if misconduct is established.
Truck drivers and vehicle owners have also been urged not to make any payment to police personnel on highways. Any demand for money, harassment or other improper conduct can be reported by dialling 112, contacting the Shillong Police Control Room at 6009196479, or approaching the Office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills.
The district police said the allegations would be investigated fairly, objectively and transparently, with appropriate action to follow based on the facts established during the enquiry.
