SHILLONG : Following the Khasi Students’ Union’s exposure of alleged illegal money collection from trucks at two police checkpoints in Thangshalai and Mawkhanu on September 30, KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar has questioned who will take responsibility for the alleged activities.
The alleged collections were brought to light through photographs and other evidence released by the KSU, with the organisation alleging that police personnel were collecting money from trucks at the two locations.
Speaking to media persons on October 1, Najiar said the arrest of KSU leaders in connection with the earlier incident should be seen as setting a precedent for accountability.
He said the KSU leaders were not unhappy about being arrested, arguing that if leaders could be arrested over allegations of wrongdoing, then senior officials should also be held accountable when wrongdoing is allegedly committed by those under their supervision.
Najiar said it was now the turn of senior police officers and those responsible for maintaining law and order to answer questions over the incident.
Referring to the disturbance that occurred during the KSU rally, he claimed that the disruption was caused by people who had joined or followed the procession, while the arrests ultimately involved KSU leaders who, according to him, had not committed any wrongdoing.
He said KSU leaders accepted responsibility for the incident because it happened while the programme was under their supervision, adding that they were prepared to face the consequences of their leadership responsibilities.
Turning to the alleged illegal collection of money from trucks, Najiar questioned who would take responsibility now that the matter had become public.
He specifically questioned whether the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police would take responsibility in the same manner that KSU leaders had accepted responsibility following the earlier incident.
Najiar also questioned whether the SP could claim to have had no knowledge of the alleged collections, arguing that reports of money being collected from trucks had surfaced in the media on several occasions in the past.
According to Najiar, despite such reports, the police and administration had failed to take action.
He further alleged that the continued presence of such activities indicated possible involvement of more than one party, though the allegation remains his claim and would require investigation and evidence to establish.
The KSU’s allegations come amid calls for accountability over the alleged collection of money from trucks at Thangshalai and Mawkhanu. The response of the police and senior authorities to the allegations remains significant as the matter develops.