SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into allegations of illegal extortion at highway checkpoints, after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) alleged that Meghalaya Police personnel were collecting ₹200 to ₹500 per truck at Mawkhanu, Thangshalai and Diengpasoh in the district. The inquiry follows the circulation of a video of the alleged incident, with senior official Peter Passah tasked with submitting a report by October 31. Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said the inquiry would examine accounts from complainants, people who visited the checkpoints, police personnel and transporters to establish the facts.
“We have instituted a magisterial enquiry. I have sought a report from SP regarding what has happened, regarding the video, I am sure everyone has seen. I have sought a report and Superintendent of Police East Khasi Hills have already submitted the report. Now we have instituted a magisterial enquiry because we have to reaffairm every side, the report from police only representing the side from the police but I have instituted one magisterial enquiry under one senior ADM who has been given responsibility to submit the report lastest by 31 October. As part of the magisterial enquiry, who is going to take statements from the complainants from those who have gone to the check post, the police constables and may be from transporters. So every stakeholders whoever needs to be summoned, questioned, the magisterial enquiry will ensure it is wholesome, comprehensive and will come out with the truth. Peter Passah will chair the magisterial enquiry,” Baranwal said.
Baranwal said the police had already submitted a report outlining their account of the incident, but the administration had ordered a separate inquiry to hear all sides before reaching any conclusions. The magisterial inquiry will record statements from relevant stakeholders and examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged checkpoint extortion. The report is expected by October 31.
