More than 2,500 vehicles checked, leading to fines of around Rs 8 lakh imposed on more than 200 vehicles
Our Bureau
NONGPOH/SHILLONG, Oct 8: In an uncanny manoeuvre, a late night operation was launched by Ri-Bhoi Police, under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vivekanand Singh Rathore, in a zealous attempt to curb the alarming rise in fatal road accidents, especially along the Guwahati-Shillong route in Ri-Bhoi.
Over 2,500 vehicles were checked during the operation, leading to fines totaling approximately Rs 8 lakh imposed on more than 200 vehicles — a record amount collected in a single night’s operation in Ri-Bhoi district.
Conducted from 7 PM to midnight along National Highway 6 (NH-6) at Nongpoh on Tuesday, the massive five-hour operation targeted multiple violations including rash and drunken driving, unauthorised vehicle modifications such as illegal LED lights, driving without valid licences, and other breaches of traffic rules.
The drive was personally led by SSP Rathore, accompanied by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Orville Massar and other officers, at the main checkpoint near the Deputy Commissioner’s Junction in Nongpoh, while simultaneous checks were also conducted in other parts of the district.
The enforcement was notable for its impartiality — no category of vehicle was spared, with government, private, commercial, and luxury vehicles all subjected to scrutiny.
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During the operation, Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, who happened to be travelling to Shillong, also stopped at midnight. Commending the efforts of the police, Sangma said, “I will come and have a programme. Let us have a review on road safety because yesterday there was another incident, and I am told the injured were shifted to Shillong. This is a matter of concern and I am happy that you are doing the checks.” He wished the team all the best as he departed. The crackdown comes amid a recent spate of fatal accidents along NH-6.
On October 3, a speeding truck mowed down four teenage girls walking along the roadside, leaving the community in grief. Two days later, on October 5, a collision at Quinine claimed two lives and injured three others when a runaway truck rammed into a government vehicle.
Speaking during the operation, SSP Rathore said the checks were not a one-time measure but part of a sustained effort to instill discipline among motorists. “There have been a series of accidents in the last few weeks and throughout the year. By our estimate, around 50 persons may have lost their lives so far. Most accidents are due to negligence — drivers being under the influence of alcohol, falling asleep, or driving at excessive speeds,” he said.
Rathore emphasised that the maximum speed limit on NH-6 in Ri-Bhoi is 80 km per hour, but many trucks — especially when empty — are driven recklessly and often occupy the right lane, which is meant only for overtaking.“Our endeavour is to minimise accidents. We cannot man the highway 24/7, but with the resources available, we are trying to maximise traffic safety,” he added.
The SSP revealed that within the first three-and-a-half hours of the operation, fines worth Rs 5 lakh had already been issued, with more being processed later in the night. He said most violations involved heavy vehicles and intoxicated drivers, one of whom was “unable to even walk” when stopped by the police. “We have tried awareness campaigns, but now it’s time for strict enforcement. We cannot allow more lives to be lost to preventable accidents,” Rathore asserted.
He further warned against illegal parking on national highways, clarifying that parking between the white lines is strictly prohibited under National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) rules. “The public can also help by recording or photographing illegally parked vehicles and sharing them with us through our PCR number or WhatsApp helpline at 6909300160. We can issue challans even from the control room in Nongpoh,” he said.
On the issue of road safety, the SSP made it clear that the roads themselves are not unsafe, but rather the behaviour of drivers is the problem. “It’s a behavioural issue. The National Highway is the lifeline of our region. The road is safe — it is we who make it unsafe by driving dangerously or under the influence of alcohol,” he stated.
Rathore also pointed out that while local truck drivers have become more disciplined following awareness campaigns, many of the violators are from outside states, making consistent sensitisation challenging.
He urged the NHAI to take a proactive role in improving infrastructure by installing CCTV cameras, rumble strips, and additional signage at identified accident-prone black spots, particularly near Shangbangla and other sharp curves. The Ri-Bhoi Police, in coordination with the Deputy Commissioner, has already taken up these issues with NHAI officials.
The operation, hailed as a landmark in road safety enforcement, has also significantly boosted the morale of the Ri Bhoi Police force. SSP Rathore’s hands-on participation, side by side with his officers, has sent a powerful message of leadership and accountability.
As the district continues to battle rising road fatalities, Tuesday night’s massive checking drive stands out as a model of decisive policing and public safety commitment on Meghalaya’s busiest highway.
It may be mentioned that the Ri-Bhoi police has appealed to citizens to play a proactive role by reporting traffic violations. Residents can send photographs or details of any such incidents via WhatsApp at 6909300160, helping authorities act swiftly. The department described the public as its “eyes and ears” in maintaining discipline on the roads.
