SHILLONG: A social activist from East Garo Hills has petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking strict action against the Superintendent of Police Resubelpara and Custom Officer of Gasuapara for their alleged involvement in the illegal transportation of goods to Bangladesh.
In his letter to the ECI, Nilberth Ch Marak raised concerns about the illegal transportation of items such as sugar, onions, and other edible goods to Bangladesh without proper documentation or permission from competent authorities, as required by law.
“In my previous complaint dated 06.04.2024, I have stated that thousands of trucks and other vehicles had been illegally transporting/exporting the sugar, onions to the Bangladesh without valid license or without proper permission from the competent authority or from the concerned Department,” the letter read.
He underscored the detrimental impact of such activities on the upcoming Lok Sabha Election scheduled for April 19, particularly affecting government staff deployed to various polling stations in South Garo Hills and West Garo Hills, as well as voters residing in the region.
“There is no other alternative road or bridge connecting from South Garo Hills to West Garo Hills,” he said in the letter.
The complaint comes on the heels of an incident in South Garo Hills on Tuesday, where a vital bridge collapsed following the simultaneous passage of two allegedly overloaded trucks.
The collapse occurred near Dimapara, causing a major disruption in transportation.
The 60-meter iron bridge, located 6 km from Dalu, is designated for lighter traffic and prohibits heavy vehicles.
A substantial portion of cargo fell into the Bagla stream below the bridge. Authorities suspect a possible smuggling attempt behind the incident.
“I urge the ECI to take strong action against the concerned authorities for violating the Model Code of Conduct by illegally exporting sugar to Bangladesh during and after the announcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls,” Marak wrote in the letter.
