Shillong: The East Khasi Hills Police have ordered an enquiry into an alleged extortion incident after a video circulated on social media showing a traffic volunteer demanding money from a visitor from Assam for a traffic violation in the city.
The footage purportedly shows a man, identified as a home guard volunteer attached to the Traffic Department, stopping a Maruti 800 car from Silchar after it entered a no-entry zone in the Madanrting area.
According to officials, the vehicle was first signalled to stop but was later intercepted after the volunteer chased it on a motorcycle.
In the video, the volunteer is allegedly seen intimidating the occupants and demanding Rs 15,000 in cash, suggesting that a steep fine would otherwise be imposed and a case registered.
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His remarks, made in broken Hindi, have sparked widespread outrage online.
Police officials clarified that the person seen in the video does not appear to be a regular member of the Meghalaya Police.
However, they said any form of harassment or misuse of authority would be dealt with firmly.
Superintendent of Police (East Khasi Hills) said a detailed enquiry has been ordered to establish the facts and identify those involved.
The report is expected later in the day, after which appropriate criminal and departmental action will be taken, if necessary, officials said.
