SHILLONG: A prison guard died and a constable of the MLP battalion injured when a car driven by Cabinet Minister AL Hek’s 28-year-old son Aibansharai Nongsiej hit their two-wheeler at Fourth Furlong Tri-junction in Polo on Friday night.
Police said the car, a Mercedes Benz, had a temporary Assam registration number. The accident happened around 1 a.m.
The deceased prison guard, Probin D Sangma (38), was riding the two-wheeler that had a Meghalaya registration number. He was taken to Shillong Civil Hospital but was declared ‘brought dead’.
The pillion rider, Probat R Marak from the 1st MLP battalion, is grievously injured and was initially taken to Shillong Civil Hospital. Later, he was shifted to NEIGRIHMS on Saturday afternoon. He is critical, the police said.
East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak said the police are investigating the case to find whose fault it was. He added that the police would record Marak’s statement after his condition improves. No one has been arrested so far.
According to Marak, all formalities of medical tests have been completed and police are awaiting reports.
Meanwhile, Hek said he does not know as to whose fault it was that led to the accident“I was not at the spot and as soon as I came to know, I rushed to the Civil Hospital to see those who were injured in the accident,” the health and family welfare minister said.
Stating that the government would conduct a fair investigation into the matter, Hek assured justice and punishment of the erring person.
When asked if he would offer compensation to the victims, Hek said, “In my personal capacity, I will do whatever I can for the people who were involved in the accidents and I have told the doctor to tell me if they need anything for the treatment.”
Opposition legislator Charles Pyngrope termed the accident as unfortunate and said he would raise the matter in the Assembly.
Pyngrope recently raised the issue of rash driving and its fallout in the Assembly.
