108 driver and attendant 'drunk' on duty

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, March 1: The Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) has alleged that a driver and attendant of a 108 service based in West Jaintia Hills district were drunk on duty.

According to CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing, she was informed by the headman of Umsalang village, Diwiling Talang that on March 1 at about 2:15 am, a lady by the me of Philis Talang (35), who was about to deliver a baby had gone to the PHC at rtiang along with her relative Jamlang Talang, and her husband Kmen Patiah. “Since the doctor had told them it was not possible to deliver in the PHC, they were given a 108 where driver and helper were drunk,” Kharshiing alleged.

The CSWO president also alleged that half way to Jowai, Ialong Civil Hospital, the driver and helper said the vehicle broke down and the helper said he could deliver the baby in the road.

“Instead the helper tried to drag the lady attendant, relative of the pregnt lady, and molest her and due to the quick response of the other relatives who were informed by phone by the husband, the attendants of the 108 called for another vehicle and the helper left the woman alone,” the CSWO president alleged.

Kharshiing also said that later the relatives took the pregnt lady and went to the Civil Hospital at Ialong, Jowai on their own.

The CSWO also said that it was shocking that the doctor could send the 108 with the drunk driver and helper who tried to molest the attendant of the pregnt lady. The relatives are contemplating to file FIR against the two so that they get justice.