SHILLONG/NONGPOH: The Hill Farmer Union (HFU) has called for an immediate Special Inquiry Team (SIT) investigation and suspension of officers allegedly running an extortion racket at the Byrnihat Police Outpost in Ri-Bhoi District.
HFU General Secretary Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew revealed that police personnel have been collecting illegal entry fees from livestock transporters—₹4,000 per pickup and ₹15,000 per heavy vehicle—by directing payments via Google Pay to an account under ‘Pankash Das Car Rentals.’
Verified transactions reportedly resulted in vehicle numbers being sent to highway sentries for unchecked entry.
Digital payment evidence has been submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, with the HFU urging executive action and calling for the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to immediately halt all unauthorized collections along the border.
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The HFU also warned of grave law enforcement and national security risks, noting that allowing unvetted commercial vehicles entry for illicit payments could open the door to drug syndicates smuggling contraband into Meghalaya.
The union threatened public protests and further disclosures if the government fails to act.
Chief Minister Sangma assured the delegation the matter would be urgently referred to the Home Department for action.
(4FrontMedia news)
