Person claiming to drive Social Welfare Minister Deborah Marak’s car caught
SHILLONG: As part of the ongoing surprise checking conducted for traffic violators along the ‘no-entry’ zone in Civil Point at night, the Shillong Traffic Police (STP) on Friday intercepted a Mahindra Bolero with the driver of the vehicle claiming that it is Social Welfare Minister Deborah Marak’s car.
Speaking to media, sub inspector, Jimmy Sangma said, “The driver of the Bolero bearing registration number ML-05L-0616 proudly said that it was Deborah Marak’s car and tried to to put pressure on the police to let him go.”
The sub inspector informed that the driver, identified as Probing Phukan is a tenant of ‘Varun Apartments’ in Motinagar. The apartment, which belongs to Marak, is in the name of her son.
Not taking the issue lightly and brushing aside the reference made by the violator, the vehicle was seized and verification of the car papers was done. It was only after the payment of penalty that the driver was allowed to collect the vehicle.
This is not the first time Deborah has been dragged into controversy. Last year her driver was charged with reckless driving by Ri Bhoi police. It may be mentioned that the ‘No-Entry’ along the whole Civil Hospital – Barik Point route has been in effect for over a year now but violators continue to violate the rule in the dark of the night.
Of late, the Shillong traffic branch has come down heavily on such violators. Recently, around 21 vehicles including 12LMVs and 5 trucks were caught and fines realized from them.