SHILLONG, April 15: The East Khasi Hills police have taken note of reports that several pressure groups are distributing slips or extortion notes to shops in Iewduh market.
A photo allegedly showing these extortion slips — reportedly issued by various pressure groups to non-tribal traders at Iewduh — has gone viral on social media.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem on Tuesday urged shopkeepers and business owners to inform the police, even if they do not wish to file a formal FIR.
He emphasised that the police will take appropriate action, stating that such activities by pressure groups amount to extortion and are illegal. “What these pressure groups are doing is a form of extortion. These are not voluntary donations made by the people,” Syiem said.
He noted that the police have previously arrested members of such groups after receiving similar complaints. However, Syiem acknowledged that many shopkeepers and traders are hesitant to come forward due to fear.
While assuring them that there is no need to disclose their address or identity, the SP urged them to at least share information about where and when these extortion slips are being distributed.
Arson in Mawlai
A two-wheeler (ML05-N-7231) belonging to one Sukha Ranjan Debbarma was set ablaze by unidentified miscreants at around 4:30 am on Tuesday in Mawlai Nongpdeng Block-C.
According to police reports, the vehicle was parked outside the residential premises when it was set on fire.
Officers from Mawlai Police Station visited the site, and an investigation is currently underway.
Debbarma is married to Lilioso Kharjana, a resident of Mawlai Nongpdeng.
Family members informed the Rangbah Shnong of Mawlai Nongpdeng, Kitkupar Kharshiing, who later alerted the police about the incident.
East Khasi Hills SP, Vivek Syiem, confirmed that an FIR has been received and a case has been registered in connection with the incident.
