Constable misused service weapon: SP

SHILLONG: An armed constable attached to personnel security aide of a senior officer, fired at an individual who tried to intervene in order to stop an ongoing fight between two groups in Nongrah, Shillong last Sunday. While brawls between two groups during the night is not uncommon in Shillong, the firing from an exclusive 9 mm caliber pistol that is used solely by the security forces and by militants has raised many eyebrows. The Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills district Davis N Marak told The Sentinel that the two rounds fired at the individual was from the constable assigned as the personal security aide of a senior officer. “The constable belonging to the third battalion of Meghalya Police has been taken into custody and the weapon has been seized,” stated Marak with discomfort on question on how can a personal security officer (PSO) take the weapon home or carry along with him in a circle of friends under numerous influences.

Marak admitted that he has misused the service weapon, even as he added that the constable stated that he fired as an act of self-defense. The SP of the district stated that the initial findings will be sent to the Unit concern for departmental proceedings.

Going by the records, a handful of PSOs attached to politicians and tops officers have been misusing their weapons after being released from their duties. These happen in off hours and most visibility in unwanted joints and group of friends. The SP did not negate this notion even as he said that further caution will be given to all those assigned with similar job. The incident last Sunday where Pynskhembor Kharmawlong (24), son of Alxander Mukhim, a resident of Nongrah was injured did create a worry on whether the militants are back. It is not so, stated Marak while assuring that departmental proceedings will go against him.