Raises concerns over police accountability & betrayal of trust
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): The Dimapur Rengma Youth Organisation (DRYO) has called for an independent inquiry into allegations of corruption and extortion involving personnel at the East Police Station, Dimapur. The organisation’s statement follows a report by a digital news outlet that exposed the police facilitating an illegal settlement regarding a recovered mobile phone.
The alleged corruption saga began with the filing of an FIR about a lost phone in October 2025.
In a press release issued on February 1, the DRYO said that the complaint was by a woman at the East Police Station. But after the police failed to provide updates, the complainant traced the device to a labourer who had reportedly purchased it for Rs 2500 from an unnamed individual.
It alleged that when police subsequently traced the phone to the labourer, they demanded a payment of Rs 19,000, claiming the money was to compensate the original owner. Following negotiations, the labourer paid Rs 12,000 to the police, and was permitted to retain the phone.
However, the money was never returned to the owner, nor was the complainant informed of the settlement, and the case subsequently closed.
Stating that the case raises serious and unavoidable questions, it said, “If the system meant to protect them instead exploits both victims and the poor, then this is not mere negligence; it is institutional corruption.”
Emphasising the need for reform, the DRYO’s demand before the authorities also included strict disciplinary and legal action against those found guilty, full transparency in the handling of recovered property and FIR closures by the police, alongside the establishment of accountability mechanisms to ensure such practices are not repeated.
The youth body warned that a lack of response from the administration would damage public confidence in the police. “Silence or inaction in this matter will only embolden further abuse. If public trust is to be restored, justice must be served,” the release stated.
The DRYO added that it would monitor the case to ensure accountability and urged the public to stand against the betrayal of trust by law enforcement.
