Shillong, Oct 5 (IANS) North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum on Monday sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into an alleged midnight police operation in the Jaiaw locality on August 19, accusing security personnel of excessive use of force, entering residential areas without following due procedure and violating citizens’ rights.
In a memorandum submitted to Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong, Nongrum demanded an independent and transparent investigation, warning that he would approach higher legal and constitutional forums if the state government failed to act.
The memorandum has also been forwarded to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and the National and State Human Rights Commissions, among other authorities.
Nongrum said the allegations were supported by a field report submitted by Seng Samla Jaiaw Pyllun (SSJP), a community organisation that claimed to have been present during the operation.
According to the report, around 15 tear-gas shells were allegedly fired in a densely populated residential lane adjoining H. Gordon Roberts Hospital.
The MLA claimed the incident triggered panic among residents and caused breathing difficulties, while raising concerns about the safety of patients in the hospital.
Nongrum alleged that heavily armed personnel entered the locality at night with their faces covered and without visible nameplates, while allegedly failing to produce search warrants or other legal notices.
He further alleged that video footage showed some personnel using abusive language and obscene gestures while confronting local youths.
The MLA also questioned the deployment, alleging that police presence was inadequate during a daytime Black Flag Bike Rally on August 19, while a large force was deployed later during the midnight operation.
Nongrum’s memorandum cited provisions of the Meghalaya Police Act, 2010, and alleged violations of safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in the D.K. Basu case concerning arrests and custodial procedures.
Drawing a link with the 2018 Them Iew Mawlong unrest, he alleged that residents had suffered serious injuries during earlier police action, including permanent disabilities. He claimed that victims were yet to receive adequate compensation or rehabilitation.
Nongrum said an internal departmental inquiry or police SIT would not inspire confidence when the conduct of the law-enforcement machinery itself was under scrutiny.
He demanded a CBI investigation, compensation and rehabilitation for victims of the 2018 violence, besides action against personnel found guilty of misconduct.
The allegations are expected to renew focus on police accountability, the use of force and safeguards for civilian rights during law-and-order operations.
–IANS
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