From Our Correspondent
TURA: Rajabala legislator Ashahel D Shira, who was recently accused by his escort driver of assault, has denied the allegations and instead demanded that the State Government hold a probe into the alleged security lapses involving him and his family.
“I did not assault him but saved him from the anger of others after he led us astray from the main route deliberately or otherwise. I want to press for a thorough investigation as to why our entourage was diverted from the main road and into a set of by-lanes and alleys when the civilian driver was specifically directed to take us straight to the Meghalaya House in Guwahati,” demanded Shira.
The MLA was referring to a journey to the State guest house in Rehabari locality of Guwahati during which his escort driver reportedly took the convoy through a series of different routes causing doubts in the minds of the occupants of the vehicle which included the elected representative and his wife.
“When he first took a wrong turn we brushed it aside as an honest mistake. However, when he took us through a series of wrong roads and lanes, we began to suspect foul play. Agitated and fearing for our lives we over took the escort vehicle and confronted the driver about his intentions,” narrated Shira in a clarification to the media. He added that it was due to his intervention that the civilian driver was saved from being pulled up by the other occupants who were already agitated.
“At this juncture I want to press upon the Government to initiate a thorough probe into the background of the driver Banteilang Rynjah and the owner of the vehicle to rule out foul play since I represent Rajabala constituency which is the most sensitive area in Garo Hills and the allegation of assault may have been concocted to cover an intended crime,” alleged Shira.