Shillong, October 3: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Saturday put up banners outside the office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, and at the Main Secretariat, demanding that SP Vivek Syiem step down to ensure what it described as a free and impartial inquiry into allegations of illegal collection of money from truck drivers along the National Highway.
The protest comes days after the KSU raised allegations that police personnel were collecting money from truck drivers at temporary check posts at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai. In the banners, the Union criticised both SP Vivek Syiem and Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong over the controversy and questioned the handling of the matter.
The KSU demanded that Syiem relinquish his post while the inquiry is underway, arguing that this would help ensure transparency in the investigation. Some of the banners also questioned the dismantling of temporary police sheds at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai after the allegations surfaced.
KSU members put up banners at the SP’s office, the Secretariat and later in the Khyndailad area. Police personnel reportedly removed several of the banners shortly after they were displayed. Following the removal, KSU members again put up banners at Khyndailad and remained at the spot for some time before leaving.
One of the banners also called upon the East Khasi Hills SP to seek a posting outside the district, alleging that he had remained in the same district for too long. The KSU’s action is the latest development in the controversy surrounding allegations of illegal collection from heavy vehicles at highway check points. East Khasi Hills Police have already initiated an inquiry into the allegations and taken departmental measures against personnel connected with the matter.
