By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Police on Thursday arrested three members of Hynniewtrep People’s Federation (HPF) from Quinton Road area of the city on charges of demanding money from a restaurant-cum-bar at Police Bazaar.
The arrested HPF members are its general secretary Gordon Khongsit, publicity secretary Kitborlang Lyngdoh and assistant publicity secretary Marshall Wahlang.
The trio was arrested after the manager of the business house complained to the police that they had demanded money from him.
According to the Additional SP (Crime) Vivek Syiem, the accused had also told the Manager that other shops in Police Bazaar area were also giving money to them.
On being informed, Meghalaya’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) commandos laid a trap and nabbed the trio while coming to collect the money.
The arrested persons also claimed themselves to be members of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Syiem said adding “It is still not clear whether they are really members of the banned outfit.”
“We would definitely try to establish if they have any connection with the HNLC,” Additional SP (Crime) said.
Receipt books, money and a car were seized from the trio.
He said this was a clear case of extortion.
Syiem also informed that the trio was arrested recently for assaulting three persons who were performing rituals at Lum Shyllong, Upper Shillong.
All of them were later released on bail, he added.