Police officer’s link with coal mafia alleged

SHILLONG: While alleged political pressure resulted in the last transfer of certain police officials, support from the government, coal lobby and some influential residents, has helped a police official to continue in Ri Bhoi to allegedly facilitate illegal coal trade.
Allegations have come to the fore that the SI of Khapmara PIC, Amit Sinha is having nexus with coal traders and even possess luxurious vehicles.
Sources said that in the past, the SI used to drive a vehicle belonging to Hamlen Rymbai, a coal baron and accused in the assault case involving Agnes Kharshiing and Amita Sangma.
According to sources, while he is continuing as officer-in charge of Khapmara for 5 years, another area of posting of the official was at Damsite, in the same district for three years since 2013.
Questions are also being raised as to how the SI is staying at MeECL quarters, Umiam and possesses three luxurious vehicles.
In April last year, the Ri Bhoi Youth Organisation (RBYO) had field FIR against 93 illegal coal-laden trucks before Sinha, who was the then Umroi police station in-charge but in vain as no action was taken against the coal transporters.
The RBYF leaders had said that the police did not act on the complaint and after the owners of the trucks were informed, the vehicles were not seized.
The leaders had alleged that they were instead threatened by the truckers to immediately withdraw the FIR or else the leaders of the organisation would meet the same fate of activist Agnes.
The leaders had then suspected some links between the police officer and the illegal coal transporters.
Another allegation is refusal on the part of the SI to hand over seizure list after recovering a mobile phone from a person.
Sources said neither the Ri Bhoi SP nor the DGP are aware about the activities of the SI.
When contacted, the DGP said if there are specific complaints, the aggrieved parties can approach him and action will be taken.