Cops in coal business
SHILLONG: Despite the allegations against some police officials engaging in coal business while being in service, the home department is yet to come up with effective steps to put a stop to the trend.
End of January, there was inaction on the part of the police on the activities of militant groups in parts of West Khasi Hills borders which are rich in coal. The militants were on an extortion spree demanding money from the coal laden trucks and even challenged the police.
According to police sources, though the police department had taken exception to the coal business being carried out by police officer TC Chacko posted in West Khasi Hills , he allegedly enjoys the patronage of the higher ups. It was learnt that Chacko owned many trucks to facilitate export of coal.
Chacko is also in the news for his role in stalling a magisterial inquiry which was examining his alleged role in handing over weapons to UALA militants to take on GNLA and others.
After Chacko raised objection to the magistrate MK Marak heading the inquiry, the Home department accepted his plea and shelved the probe.
Chacko was also accused of killing a Garo villager identified as Washington Marak accusing him of a GNLA militant four years ago in East Garo Hills.
The National Human Rights Commission had asked the Meghalaya Government to provide compensation to the relatives of the victim, but in vain.
On February 16 this year, several pressure groups from Garo Hills had set a 20-day deadline to the Government to take action against the police officer.
Besides Chacko, there are also reports that a close relative of Meghalaya DGP PJP Hanaman is also engaged in coal export from the border areas of West Khasi Hills.
However, it is not known whether the DGP is finding it difficult to act against Chacko since the DGP’s relative is also engaged in coal export.
When contacted, Home Minister Roshan Warjri said that a report had been sought regarding the matter.