Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said the government will act if the KSU police extortion allegations are established, but stressed that authorities need specific evidence before taking further action.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has accused police personnel of allegedly collecting money from truck drivers along the Shillong Bypass in East Khasi Hills. The allegations concern areas around Mawkhanu and Thangshalai, where the union said it recorded videos during a verification exercise.
KSU police extortion claims draw CM’s response
Sangma responded to the allegations on October 6, saying the government would not permit illegal activity by police personnel. However, he said authorities must examine the facts and evidence before reaching conclusions or proceeding against individuals.
The chief minister said the government could not act simply on allegations. He added that appropriate action would follow if the claims were substantiated.
“We need to work on specific proofs,” Sangma said, stressing the need for an evidence-based approach. He also said the government had taken action in the past when information about illegal activities came to its notice.
His remarks come after the KSU intensified its demands for an independent investigation into the alleged collections from truckers.
KSU says videos show alleged money collection
The KSU has alleged that police personnel collected between Rs 200 and Rs 500 from trucks at locations near Mawkhanu, Diengpasoh and Thangshalai.
According to the union, its team conducted a spot verification on September 30 after receiving complaints from truck drivers and members of the public. The KSU said its members recorded footage that purportedly showed drivers or handymen approaching temporary roadside sheds and handing over money.
The union later submitted a complaint to Sangma seeking an independent probe. It also demanded action against officials it believes may have failed to prevent the alleged practice.
However, the allegations have not been independently established. Authorities are examining the available material as part of the inquiry.
Police begin inquiry into KSU police extortion allegations
The East Khasi Hills police moved to investigate the allegations after videos circulated on social media. The district police said a special team was sent to the locations for further verification and investigation.
Police also dismantled the two temporary sheds at Mawkhanu and Thangshalai. The department said it has zero tolerance for illegal collection of money, extortion or corruption by its personnel.
The police stated that any misconduct established during the inquiry would invite strict departmental action. It also advised truck drivers and vehicle owners not to make payments to police personnel on the highway.
Earlier, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem had ordered a preliminary inquiry after seeing the videos. He said the footage raised questions about whether money had been collected illegally.
Action already taken against personnel
The state government has said police personnel allegedly involved in the incident were suspended. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home portfolio, said instructions for action were issued after the video came to the authorities’ attention.
Tynsong also rejected the KSU’s demand for removal of the East Khasi Hills SP. He said senior officers should not automatically be held responsible for alleged isolated actions by lower-ranking personnel.
KSU seeks independent investigation
The KSU has continued to press for an investigation outside the regular police chain. In its complaint to the chief minister, the organisation sought an independent inquiry and demanded the removal of East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem and Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal.
The union argued that an independent process would help ensure a fair investigation and protect evidence and witnesses. It also questioned whether senior officials were aware of the alleged collections.
Meanwhile, the government has maintained that the facts must be established before further action is taken. This puts the focus on the ongoing inquiry and the evidence available to investigators.
Evidence will shape next action
The KSU police extortion allegations have raised concerns about accountability and conduct during police deployment along a busy transport route. At the same time, authorities must distinguish between allegations, video material and findings established through a formal inquiry.
Sangma’s latest statement indicates that the government will rely on verified evidence before deciding on further action. Therefore, the outcome of the inquiry will be important in determining whether additional disciplinary or legal measures follow.
For now, the state government has reiterated that illegal collections by police will not be tolerated. The authorities have also urged truckers to report any demand for money through the emergency number 112 or designated police channels.