From Our Correspondent
TURA, April 27: Social activist Greneth Sangma has filed a complaint with the West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, accusing the West Garo Hills Auto Rickshaw Association (WGHARA) of fraud, intimidation, and unfair trade practices.
The complaint follows a dispute over a lottery organized by the association. Sangma alleged that the WGHARA refused to hand over a Suzuki Celerio to Jashtina Ch Marak, who won the fifth prize. Despite the winner providing valid documentation, the association reportedly withheld the prize on the grounds of a missing “counterfoil.”
“Jashtina made multiple trips to the association’s office in Tura to claim her prize. Furthermore, sub-agent Asana K Sangma confirmed the legitimacy of the claim on social media. These persistent visits, necessitated by the association’s refusal to honor its commitments, have caused the winner significant financial hardship,” Sangma stated.
The activist demanded that the association be held liable for the victim’s transportation and travel expenses.
Sangma further alleged that the WGHARA retaliated by filing a “malicious” FIR against two individuals, Panchi M Sangma and Parbina Ch. Marak, for social media posts regarding the matter. He characterised this as an attempt to intimidate those seeking their rightful prizes The complaint also highlighted a potential conflict of interest, noting that WGHARA general secretary Richard R Marak also serves as the president of the Tura City Wing of the ACHIK organisation. Sangma alleged this influence is being used to obstruct justice and pressure the victims.
Through his complaint, Sangma requested the SP to personally supervise the matter and initiate a thorough inquiry into the association’s activities. He called for the dismissal of the FIR against the victims, compensation for Jashtina’s travel costs, and the cancellation of the association’s license to prevent further exploitation of the public.
