SHILLONG, March 11: The state government on Friday came under attack from Opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in the Assembly for its failure to prevent IED blasts in Shillong and arrest the kingpins of drugs trade.
Moving the cut motion, Opposition Chief Whip George B Lyngdoh said the incidents of blasts had created a fear psychosis among the city residents.
He said the police managed to arrest a few kids who were lured to plant the IEDs. He said the failure of the police to zero in on the blasts’ masterminds is a matter of grave concern.
Referring to drug menace, he said there are only a few instances of seizure and arrest of some small players. “But the kingpins are still at large,” he said.
Lyngdoh said FIRs are filed against truckers for illegal transportation but no action is taken against them.
“The investigation division is not pulling up its socks to ensure a charge-sheet is filed,” he said.
Talking about illegal coal mining, the Opposition Chief Whip asked the government what happened to those cases where labourers died in some mining incidents that took place since 2019.
“Is the government taking any action in those cases?” he asked.
He said a lot of incidents of cybercrime are taking place and people are being duped of their money.
“People are lured to businesses which violate many laws. We would like to know if the actual masterminds, who are operating within the state or outside, are being arrested,” Lyngdoh asked.
Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui admitted there are some incidents which are extremely difficult to anticipate or intercept. “We have managed to make many arrests relating to the IED blast incidents. But I would not like to talk more on this since a judicial commission has been appointed,” he said.
The Minister also said that the police are doing their best to deal with the problem of drug menace.
“We are working in close coordination with the police from other states to deal with this problem. We are committed to see that the problem is eradicated,” he said.
According to him, over 200 cases relating to drug trafficking are registered with the police, in which some people were convicted. He said the government is not protecting anyone.
On cybercrime, he said the cyber cell is doing its job. He said the police managed to prevent crime and arrest culprits.
The AITC’s Mawsynram legislator, HM Shangpliang asked the government to lay special emphasis on improving the forensic lab since it is an important branch of the police department relating to criminal investigation.
“I am aware that there have been a lot of cases particularly relating to POCSO. The investigation of POCSO and even rape cases are taking a lot of time due to lack of latest machines and equipment in the forensic lab,” Shangpliang said.
He insisted on the procurement of the latest equipment so that time is not wasted in the detection and the prosecution of cases. Even today, samples are sent outside for testing, he said.
“We need to update with the latest technology since conviction has to be early in any crime,” Shangpliang said.
He underscored the need for the recruitment of technocrats and forensic experts in the lab.
“I would really appreciate if the Home department takes care of this department,” the MLA said.
The Home Minister said the department is trying to equip the forensic lab with all the latest technology. “It will take time to make it self-sufficient since it is a continuous process.”
According to him, there is a timeline to complete investigation, especially in cases of heinous crime against women and children. He said the police are ensuring there is conviction at the earliest.