Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said authorities will take action if police personnel are found involved in illegal activities. However, he stressed that officials must examine specific evidence before proceeding against anyone over allegations of extortion.
Sangma made the statement while responding to allegations raised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU). The student body has accused police personnel of allegedly collecting money from truckers along the Shillong Bypass.
KSU Raises Extortion Allegations
The KSU has alleged that police personnel collected money from trucks at locations around Mawkhanu, Diengpasoh and Thangshalai in East Khasi Hills.
According to the organisation, truck drivers were allegedly asked to pay money while passing through the area. The KSU has also claimed that it conducted a verification exercise after receiving complaints from members of the public.
The allegations have not yet been independently established.
CM Calls for Evidence-Based Action
Sangma said the government would not tolerate illegal activities by police personnel. He stressed that authorities must establish the facts before taking action against individuals.
The chief minister said the government cannot act only on allegations. Officials must examine available evidence and verify the claims before reaching a conclusion.
He also assured that the government has taken action in the past when it received information about illegal activities. He said authorities would follow the same approach if the current allegations are proven.
Police Department Begins Inquiry
The allegations have already prompted action from the Meghalaya Police. East Khasi Hills police initiated a departmental inquiry into the reported illegal collection of money.
A special team was also sent to the locations mentioned in the allegations to verify the claims. Police also dismantled two temporary sheds at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai.
The department has said it has zero tolerance for illegal collection, extortion or corruption by police personnel.
KSU Seeks Independent Investigation
The KSU has called for an independent investigation into the allegations. The organisation has also sought action against senior officials, arguing that an independent inquiry would ensure a fair investigation.
The student body has questioned the alleged collection of money from trucks and has demanded accountability from those responsible.
The KSU has also raised concerns about the dismantling of the temporary structures where the alleged incidents reportedly took place.
Allegations Involve Truckers
The controversy centres on allegations involving trucks travelling along the Shillong Bypass. The KSU claims that truck drivers were allegedly asked to pay amounts ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500.
The organisation has said it received complaints from truckers and members of the public before conducting its own verification.
The allegations have led to wider discussions about police accountability and the need for effective monitoring of personnel working along highways.
Government Stresses Due Process
Sangma’s comments underline the government’s position that any disciplinary or legal action must follow verification of the facts.
He said authorities should not reach conclusions based solely on allegations. At the same time, he reiterated that illegal activities would not receive government protection.
If the investigation establishes that police personnel engaged in illegal collection, the government has indicated that appropriate action will follow.
Focus on Police Accountability
The controversy has brought attention to the importance of accountability within the police force. Complaints involving public officials require proper investigation so that evidence can establish what happened.
A transparent inquiry can also help address concerns among truckers, residents and other members of the public.
The Meghalaya government’s response will therefore depend on the findings of the ongoing verification and departmental process.
Action to Follow If Allegations Are Proven
Sangma has maintained that the government will act if the allegations are supported by evidence. He has also stressed that officials must examine the facts before taking further steps.
The KSU, meanwhile, continues to seek an independent investigation into the matter.
As the inquiry progresses, its findings will determine whether further disciplinary or legal action is necessary against any police personnel. For now, the government has reiterated its position against illegal collections while insisting that action must follow established evidence and due process.