The East Jaintia Hills district administration has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that a woman was forced to give birth inside a vehicle after being delayed by road obstructions during the public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement Limited project.
In an official clarification, Deputy Commissioner ShivanshAwasthi said the administration investigated the matter after reports surfaced online claiming that RiniwankiSukhlain delivered her baby in a vehicle due to traffic disruptions linked to the public hearing. The inquiry was conducted by seeking a report from the Block Medical and Health Officer (BMHO) of Saipung Block.
According to the findings submitted by the medical authorities, the viral claim was found to be false. The Deputy Commissioner stated that RiniwankiSukhlain gave birth to her baby at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Sutnga, on July 31, 2026, at around 11:15 am. The administration maintained that the delivery took place at the health facility and not inside a vehicle, contrary to the reports circulating on social media.
The clarification comes amid widespread discussions surrounding the proposed Shree Cement Limited project and its public hearing, with the district administration urging the public to rely on verified information rather than unsubstantiated social media posts.
In Shillong, the clarification is significant as industrial developments in Meghalaya are closely watched by investors, businesses and civil society. Officials believe that addressing misinformation promptly is essential for maintaining public confidence, ensuring transparency in project-related processes, and fostering a stable environment for future industrial investments in the state.