Hundreds throng Meghalaya MLA’s home amid cash distribution rumour

Mangalore Today News Network

Guwahati, Nov 22, 2016: Demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 notes created a unique problem for Meghalaya legislator Alexander L Hek. Over the past week, hundreds of people landed at his doorstep in Shillong seeking money.

 

Unable to withstand the stress, the former minister filed a complaint with police seeking investigation against those who spread rumours about him distributing scrapped banknotes.

“Nearly 600 people have turned up at my residence and office after hearing gossip that I have lot of black money and am distributing Rs 5,000 each to everyone,” Hek told Hindustan Times.

Even on Tuesday, a day after the MLA lodged an FIR against unknown persons hoping to end the long queues outside his home, many people were at his door to get their share of the unexpected donation.

Most of those who turned up were from my constituency of Pynthorumkhrah, but there were many who came from other constituencies as well,” he said.

Hek, who has been turning away people from early morning till late at night, said the misinformation was an attempt to sully his image in public and hoped the police investigation would help nab the rumour mongers.

Withdrawal of currencies of high denomination has also affected farmers and villagers in Garo Hills region of the state, where militancy is rife and many don’t open bank accounts or deposit savings in them.

According to a report in The Meghalaya Times, many residents stash their money at home fearing extortion demands from militants, and some don’t trust the banking system.

“Residents of a number of villages in the Garo Hills region have shied away from opening bank accounts or even depositing money in fear that their names could be passed on to the wrong people,” the paper reported.