Shillong: Meghalaya authorities have imposed a blanket ban on all unauthorised vehicle rental services, following revelations that such operations were linked to the recent murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a case that has sent shockwaves through the state. Transport officials confirmed that private two-wheeler and four-wheeler rental services—operating without government approval—are now completely prohibited across Meghalaya. The crackdown was triggered by findings in the homicide investigation, which showed that both the victim and his accused killers used illegally rented motorcycles in Shillong to travel to Sohra, where the murder occurred. The Transport Commissioner stated that no official rental scheme for motorcycles or cars has ever been authorised in the state. “All such services are by definition illegal and violate the Motor Vehicles Act,” he said, adding that strict penalties now await violators, including criminal charges, heavy fines, and seizure of vehicles. The enforcement drive will particularly target hubs like Keating Road, where numerous unauthorised rental businesses have flourished unchecked. Authorities warn that these unregulated services pose serious safety risks and have become tools for criminal exploitation. The ban will remain in effect until a formal regulatory framework is created to oversee legitimate rental operations. In the meantime, enforcement teams will also monitor online and offline advertisements promoting such services. Officials emphasised that the move is aimed at safeguarding public security and restoring regulatory order in the transport sector.
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