Shillong : The Hills Farmers Union (HFU), Ri-Bhoi District, has given the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Byrnihat Police Station 10 days to provide a written explanation over allegations of illegal collection of money from vehicles transporting livestock into Meghalaya, warning that it may demand his suspension if no satisfactory response is received.
Speaking to reporters, HFU General Secretary Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew said the union had recently visited Byrnihat to verify allegations of illegal collections from livestock vehicles entering the state.
According to Kharsyntiew, after the union’s visit, the OC contacted the organisation by phone and proposed a meeting. Since both sides had limited time, they agreed to meet at 11:30 am on August 4, with the union planning to submit written questions seeking clarification.
However, when HFU leaders arrived at Byrnihat Police Station, they were informed that the OC had gone to court. The delegation waited until 2 pm, but the officer did not return.
The union said it intended to seek answers on several issues, including the alleged “direct entry” system for livestock vehicles, the destination of the money allegedly collected from transporters, the role of the police in the alleged collections, and the legal authority under which such money was being collected.
Following the unsuccessful meeting, the HFU and local livestock farmers decided to give the OC 10 days to submit a written explanation.
Kharsyntiew warned that if no written response is received within the stipulated period, the union would be left with no option but to urge the Meghalaya government to suspend the Byrnihat Police Station OC, stating that local farmers have already suffered enough due to the ongoing crisis.