Meghalaya Minister denies extortion charge

Shillong, Dec 23 : Meghalaya Mining and Geology Minister Donkupar Massar, who has three cases of assault pending against him and has been accused of extortion by petrol pump owners, on Sunday rubbished the allegations.

The minister claimed that he had sent some officers of the Weights and Measures department to inspect petrol pumps violating regulations, which has been misinterpreted.

"There are 46 petrol pumps which are violating the regulations of weight and measures," Massar said. "The term extortionist used by the petrol pump owners is not acceptable. They intend to tarnish my public image."

Massar, an Independent, is under police investigation in three cases of alleged assault.

Three separate FIRs have been filed against Massar in Ranikor police station in West Khasi Hills and Pynursla in East Khasi Hills district.

PTI