‘Police officer’ caught by KSU collecting ‘entry-fees’ from 5 non-tribal persons

Shillong, Aug 6: Acting on a tip-off from a local resident, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Umiam Circle on Wednesday apprehended a man who claimed to be a police officer and was found in possession of an identity card bearing the name Brill Rongpeit.
The card was issued by the Office of the Commandant, 1st Battalion, Meghalaya Police, Mawlai Mawiong.
The KSU members found that the individual had allegedly collected Rs 1,000 each from five non-tribal passengers travelling in a vehicle with registration number AS 25 CC 4375, supposedly as an “entry fee” into the state.
When questioned and asked to provide supporting documents, the KSU informed that both the self-proclaimed police officer and the five non-tribal individuals fled the scene.
KSU Umiam Circle President, Bashem Kharnaior expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that the sudden disappearance of the individual (‘police officer’) and the five others has only heightened the Union’s suspicions.
The Umiam Circle promptly sought assistance from the KSU Mawlai Circle to help identify and trace those involved.
“This incident raises serious concerns about lapses in border security and the possibility of collusion enabling illegal entry into the state,” Kharnaior said.
He added that the matter is especially alarming as it involves a person claiming to be a police officer allegedly extorting money from non-tribals for crossing into Meghalaya.
The Union has demanded a prompt and transparent clarification from the Meghalaya Police Department regarding the identity and status of the individual named Brill Rongpeit.
They urged the authorities to confirm whether he is a genuine police officer who has grossly abused his position, or an impersonator exploiting police credentials for personal benefit.
The KSU stressed that such incidents erode public trust in the police, especially when no accountability or clear information is provided.
“If such impersonation is possible, it raises serious questions about the security of official IDs and the absence of strict mechanisms to prevent their misuse,” Kharnaior said.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights and identity of Meghalaya’s indigenous people, the KSU reiterated its resolve to resist all forms of illegal entry and activities that threaten the social fabric of the state.
The Union called upon the state government and the police department to launch a thorough investigation and take measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.