Nongpoh, August 20: Ri Bhoi Police have arrested five leaders of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement (HNYM) for allegedly extorting thousands of rupees from tourist taxi drivers ferrying non-tribal passengers along the Umdihar–Nongpoh–Umsning stretch of NH-6. The arrests follow a written FIR lodged on August 19, 2025, detailing a systematic campaign of intimidation, harassment and assault on drivers and passengers, despite the latter possessing valid documents issued by the Anti-Infiltration Check Post at Byrnihat.
According to police, the FIR revealed that a group of anti-social elements led by one Sparly Syngkli would routinely stop tourist taxis at night and extort amounts ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹6,500 for carrying non-tribal passengers to different parts of Meghalaya. “Apart from extortion, these anti-social elements were also harassing and physically assaulting the drivers and passengers. Due to these criminal activities, the taxi drivers, apart from facing huge inconvenience, were suffering from significant financial losses and mental distress,” the FIR stated.
Following the complaint, a case was registered under Nongpoh PS Case No. 90(08)2025 u/s 61(2)/126(2)/308(4)/310(2)/351(2)3(5) BNS. Investigators unearthed damning evidence including photographs, videos and multiple bank transfers from drivers to the personal accounts of the accused.
The five arrested individuals have been identified as: Ricky Tangsang, son of Lt. Manjit Singh of Sajer, Nongpoh (member); Sparly Syngkli, son of R. Syngkli of Nongkhrah, Nongpoh (Chairman, Anti Influx Cell); Donboklang Kharbani, son of B. Langstieh of Mawroh, Nongpoh (President, Nongpoh Circle); Aiborlang Marbaniang, son of T. Hujon of Umjarasi, Nongpoh (Working President, Nongpoh Circle); and Krius Pariong, son of Lt. D. Marwein of Pahamrioh, Nongpoh (member).
On further enquiry, police disclosed that key accused Ricky Tangsang and his accomplices were already linked to a string of serious cases of theft and extortion, including Nongpoh PS Case No. 101(09)2024 u/s 126(2)309(4)/115(2)/351(3) BNS; Nongpoh PS Case No. 102(09)2024 u/s 126(2)/115(2)/308(3)/351(3) BNS; Nongpoh PS Case No. 103(09)2025 u/s 126(2)/309(4)/115(2)/351(3) BNS; Nongpoh PS Case No. 230(11)2018 u/s 457/380/34 IPC; Umiam PS Case No. 57(07)2024 u/s 310(2) BNS; and Laban PS Case No. 29(05)2024 u/s 379 IPC.
Confirming the arrests, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ri Bhoi District, V. S. Rathore, IPS, stated:
“All the arrested individuals have been forwarded to court.”
