Meghalaya Police have initiated a criminal case against the state's Director General of Police (DGP), Lajja Ram Bishnoi on May 9, over allegations of misusing his official position and tampering with the registration number of his official vehicle.
The case was registered after suspended police officer Gabriel K Iangrai filed a formal complaint, accusing the top cop of offenses including criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and cheating.
According to the FIR lodged by Iangrai, an inquiry committee report from July 2022 revealed that a Hyundai Verna parked at the Central Workshop had been assigned a fake registration number, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG-A) failed to register the vehicle due to a lack of necessary documents.
Citing information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application, Iangrai alleged that the registration number of the white Kia Carnival limousine used by the DGP is actually that of a Verna 1.6 VTVT registered with the state Tourism Department.
"The information provided under the RTI by the Transport Department exposes the inquiry committee's report, which calls for necessary action against the committee members," Iangrai stated in the FIR.
Iangrai further claimed that when Bishnoi assumed the role of DGP in Shillong on May 17, 2022, he arrived in a white Kia Carnival registered with the government of Assam. However, Bishnoi allegedly had the vehicle's number plate changed to that of the Verna.
"It has been learned that the said Kia Carnival is a requisitioned vehicle for purposes best known to Lajja Ram Bishnoi... he is using the same for his personal use, as evident from photographs of the vehicle's use and his presence in it," Iangrai alleged.
Iangrai also pointed out that as per rules and guidelines, the Meghalaya DGP is entitled to use a vehicle costing up to Rs 12 lakh, while the Kia Carnival costs nearly Rs 40 lakh.
"All these facts point to the offenses of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and cheating committed by Lajja Ram Bishnoi," Iangrai stated in the FIR, requesting the registration of a case against the DGP and his prosecution under appropriate laws.
Iangrai has submitted photographs and the RTI letter as evidence to support his allegations against the outgoing DGP, who is set to demit office on May 19.
The case has sparked concerns about the alleged abuse of power and misconduct by the state's highest-ranking police officer, raising questions about accountability and the integrity of law enforcement institutions.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Rituraj Ravi, confirmed the registration of the case based on Iangrai's FIR, stating, "We have received an FIR filed by Iangrai. It alleges that the vehicle the Director General of Meghalaya Police uses in his official capacity does not have a suitable number plate. We have registered a case based on the FIR and will start an investigation."