By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 16: In the case of alleged forced eviction of one Bindas Syiem who was staging a hunger strike in the city on June 9, the aggrieved party (Syiem), along with two witnesses, was cross-examined by the charged officer during a hearing on Wednesday, informed Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Chairperson, Justice (Retd) T Vaiphei.
It may be noted that Bindas Syiem had alleged that the former Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills, Rituraj Ravi, attempted to forcibly evict her.
The two witnesses who were cross-examined included senior journalist Kyrmen Uriah and social activist Purity Phawa.
“The examination of all the witnesses was completed today,” Justice (Retd) Vaiphei said.
He further stated that both parties are expected to submit their respective written submissions by November 7.
Earlier, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission had called upon the three complainants to respond to the police report submitted by the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) to the commission.
On the evening of June 9, Ravi visited the protest site at the parking lot near the Secretariat, reportedly with the intention of taking Syiem for a medical examination due to her prolonged fast. This move was firmly opposed by Syiem and her supporters.
In his earlier deposition before the commission, the former SP of East Khasi Hills denied all the allegations mentioned in the complaint, stating that they were untrue and reaffirming the statement already recorded by the police, which was included in the police report.