Guwahati: The Hills Farmers’ Union (HFU) has sought a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged illegal collection of money from vehicles transporting livestock into Meghalaya, claiming that the payments were being routed through a private bank account.
The demand was raised after HFU representatives met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma at the Taraghar State Guest House on Monday. The union said it submitted documents and other evidence relating to the alleged collection system to the Chief Minister.
HFU general secretary Allfonbirth Kharsyntiew told reporters that the union had identified an account operated under the name Pankaj Das Car Rental, through which drivers transporting livestock were allegedly asked to make payments using GPay or UPI.
“We submitted the evidence to the Chief Minister and demanded an investigation into the account,” Kharsyntiew said.
The union also claimed that some police personnel were allegedly involved in the collection process and submitted information regarding their purported role.
According to Kharsyntiew, drivers were allegedly given a contact number after making the so-called “direct entry” payment. The person operating the number would then reportedly track the vehicle and coordinate with individuals stationed at different points along the route to facilitate the movement of livestock-carrying vehicles.
The HFU described the alleged system as a serious matter and said it had conducted a preliminary inquiry before presenting the information to the Chief Minister.
The union also urged the Chief Minister’s Office to direct the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to immediately issue an order stopping the alleged collection in the district.
Kharsyntiew warned that the organisation would intensify its response if the alleged practice continued.
“If the illegal collection continues, the union will not remain silent and will come out with all the facts before the public,” he said.
The HFU further called for the formation of an SIT to conduct an impartial investigation. It also sought the suspension, if required, of officials allegedly linked to the collection system during the course of the probe.
Kharsyntiew said the Chief Minister assured the delegation that he would raise the matter with senior police officials and the Home Department and take appropriate steps towards an investigation.
The union also submitted copies of its representation to Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) DGP Idashisha Nongrang and Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad.
The HFU’s demand comes amid its wider push for tighter screening and regulation of livestock entering Meghalaya, particularly in the wake of a recent disease outbreak affecting pigs.