Shillong: In a bid to enhance public safety and security, the Meghalaya government has prohibited unauthorised vehicle rentals for commercial purposes across the state.
This decision comes in the wake of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, in which the prime suspect, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her alleged accomplices rented two-wheelers from unregistered entities to commit the crime while on their honeymoon in Sohra.
In a public notice dated June 13, Transport Commissioner David D. Sangma informed residents that renting private two-wheelers and four-wheelers for commercial purposes is illegal in the state.
He clarified that Meghalaya has not yet launched any official rent-a-bike or rent-a-cab schemes, meaning no individual or organization holds legal authorization to operate such services.
The order, issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Transport, makes it clear that such activities are in direct violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
“As a result, individuals or entities are not authorised to rent out their private vehicles for commercial purposes,” the order states.
Sangma also cited the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, explaining that Section 66 forbids using private vehicles as commercial transport without a valid permit.
He added that Section 192A makes such unauthorized activity punishable with fines or imprisonment. Under Section 207, authorities also have the power to seize vehicles operating in violation of permit laws.
The department has warned that any person found violating these rules by either operating or advertising such rental services will face strict legal action, including seizure of the vehicle, imposition of fines, and imprisonment.
The order aims to protect public safety and maintain legal transport operations.
This crackdown has sparked wider concern, especially in areas like Keating Road, where some are reportedly running illegal two-wheeler rental businesses.
