From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Oct 9: In a rare and commendable display of administrative leadership, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, on Thursday personally joined police and transport officials in a massive roadside checking drive along National Highway-6 (NH-6) to crack down on traffic violations and promote safer driving practices across the district.
This marked the first time that a Deputy Commissioner has participated in an on-ground traffic enforcement operation in Ri-Bhoi, underscoring the district administration’s strong resolve to curb road accidents and reckless driving.
The operation, conducted from 4 to 10 PM, came barely a day after the Ri-Bhoi Police carried out a historic late-night drive
led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vivekanand Singh Rathore, which resulted in fines amounting to approximately Rs 8 lakh for various violations. Thursday’s operation was a continuation of that initiative and was jointly conducted by teams from the Police Department, the District Transport Office (DTO), and officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
According to official figures, the total fines collected from all checking operations conducted across Ri-Bhoi district have reached Rs 9,69,800, setting a new record and surpassing all previous enforcement drives in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, who joined the checking at Nongpoh, was accompanied by SSP Vivekanand Singh Rathore, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Orville Massar, District Transport Officer A Kharmon, and other enforcement officials. Their joint presence sent a strong signal of inter-departmental coordination and the district’s united commitment to saving lives on the road.
Speaking to the media during the operation, Deputy Commissioner Baranwal explained the rationale behind his participation and the broader goal of the campaign. “We have been conducting this exercise, and today we thought that the DC’s office should also join hands in ensuring that all traffic regulations are followed,” he said.
“The ultimate objective is to save lives. That is why the District Transport Office has also joined forces today. The violations have obviously come down, but there is still a long way to go. What made me come down today is the belief that as the Chairman of the District Road Safety Committee, the DC’s office should also play its part in these intensive checking drives. We want to set an example of collective responsibility in ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone,” Baranwal added.
The six-hour operation focused on major violations, including drunken driving, rash and negligent driving, driving without valid licenses, illegal parking, and unauthorized vehicle modifications.
During Thursday’s checking, one vehicle belonging to the High Court of Meghalaya, bearing registration number ML05AB3209 was penalised after it was found using a siren and displaying LED lights despite not carrying any VIP. Only the driver and one other occupant were present in the vehicle at the time of inspection. The police removed the siren and issued a challan for misuse of official equipment. The incident highlighted the strict and impartial nature of the enforcement drive, which spared no violator regardless of status or affiliation. Several other vehicles were also penalised for various traffic violations during the operation.
SSP Vivekanand Singh Rathore, who spearheaded both operations, said the ongoing enforcement was in response to public appeals for sustained action rather than one-off checks. “We had received several requests on social media asking that these checks not be a one-time affair. We agree with that,” Rathore stated.
“Today, the Deputy Commissioner himself and the DTO have joined us to send a clear message that no one is above the law. Whether it’s an auto driver, a truck driver, or a luxury car owner — the law will be applied equally to all,” he asserted.
Highlighting the key causes behind recent accidents, the SSP said most were linked to drunk driving and overspeeding. He informed that nearly 100 personnel were deployed during the operation to ensure comprehensive coverage of both lanes of the highway. Simultaneous drives were also carried out across multiple areas of Ri Bhoi, including Rani Jirang, Patharkhmah, Khapmara, Khanapara, Byrnihat, Umsning, Umiam, and Umroi.
“This is a strict message — do not violate traffic rules because life is more important than anything else,” the SSP said firmly.
With the Deputy Commissioner’s direct involvement and the sustained momentum of enforcement operations, Ri Bhoi District appears to be taking decisive steps toward curbing road fatalities and fostering a culture of safer driving across Meghalaya’s busy national highways.
