From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Aug 20: Ri-Bhoi Police on Wednesday arrested five members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement (HNYM), including its leaders, for alleged involvement in extorting money from tourist vehicles along National Highway 6.
According to reports, those arrested have been identified as Sparly Syngkli, chairman of the HNYM Anti-Influx Cell, Donboklang Kharbani, president of the HNYM Nongpoh Circle, along with three members — Aiborlang Marbaniang, Krius Pariong and Ricky Tangsang.
The arrests followed an FIR lodged at Nongpoh Police Station by two tourist vehicle drivers who alleged that the HNYM leaders and members demanded cash ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,500 for ferrying non-tribal passengers including tourists to various parts of Meghalaya. The money was reportedly transferred through Google Pay.
Police later produced the five arrested persons before the District Court in Nongpoh on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, investigation is under way to ascertain further instances of extortion involving the arrested HNYM leaders and members.