Deputy Chief Minister Initiates Inquiry Following Allegations of Police Involvement in Dawki Dog Attack Incident

Shillong, Meghalaya – Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has ordered a prompt investigation into allegations that police may have instigated a dog to attack and injure a detainee at Dawki police station. The directive comes in response to a formal complaint filed by Kitboklang Nongrem, President of the National People’s Youth Front (NPYF), highlighting an incident involving the alleged mistreatment of a detainee on June 12.

According to Nongrem’s complaint, a resident of Pyrdiwah was detained by Dawki police under suspicion of being a Bangladeshi national. Nongrem further alleged that during the detention, the detainee was subjected to inhumane treatment, specifically involving a dog attack, which resulted in injuries.

Expressing strong condemnation, Nongrem described the incident as “inhuman and unacceptable,” emphasizing that while police have the authority to detain suspects, such forms of torture cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. He urged for swift and stringent action against those responsible once the investigation confirms the details of the incident.

In response to the allegations, Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong directed the Superintendent of Police of West Jaintia Hills to initiate an immediate inquiry into the matter. The investigation aims to ascertain the facts surrounding the alleged dog attack and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the police department denied the allegations of deliberate instigation of a dog attack on the detainee, identified as Solin Suting from Nongtalang village. According to the police statement, Suting was apprehended during a routine patrol around 2 am due to suspicions arising from his resemblance to a Bangladeshi national and possession of a Bangladeshi ID card.

The spokesperson clarified that Suting was brought to the Dawki police station for verification and questioning. During this process, an accidental dog bite occurred. Suting, reportedly declining immediate medical treatment, opted to manage his injuries with assistance from a local doctor.

Following his release from custody, Suting was later transported to his residence in Pyrdiwah at his request. Subsequently, he sought medical attention at the Nongtalang Community Health Center, where he received treatment and has since been discharged.

The inquiry, overseen by the Deputy Chief Minister’s directive, aims to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to uphold justice and respect human rights in all police actions within the state of Meghalaya.