Meghalaya Police’s ‘Johny Johny’ Warning Goes Viral Amid Outrage Over NEHU Drunk-Driving Crash

A series of witty yet hard-hitting social media posts by Ri-Bhoi Police targeting drunk driving have gone viral, coinciding with public outrage over a serious accident at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in which two students were critically injured.

On Thursday, the police continued their awareness campaign with another viral post based on the popular nursery rhyme Johny Johny Yes Papa:

“Johny Johny! Yes Papa,
Shop Open? Yes Papa,
R U Driving? Yes Papa,
Bottle Open? No Papa.”

Social media users quickly joined in, crafting their own versions.
One wrote:
“Johny Johny? Yes Papa. Keys in hand? Yes Papa. Bottle in pocket? No Papa.”

Another added a stricter spin:
“Cherry cherry blossom blossom, U drunk, you are in our bosom — LOCKUP.”

In the run-up to the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Ri-Bhoi District Executive Force had earlier posted a set of quirky warnings against driving under the influence. One message read:

• “Aqua might give u ‘Dr. Jones’, Tyga might give u ‘Lights Out’. But drunken driving will give you both. Do not drive under influence. #Cherry #Blossom.”

Another cautioned festival-goers with a sharp reminder:

• “Dance in the festival, not while driving. Lock-up is ready for anyone who is caught driving under influence tonight.”

A third message added:

• “Don’t drive if you have consumed alcohol. We are waiting for Cherry to Blossom in Umiam, Umsning, Nongpoh & Byrnihat.”

Two NEHU Students Fight for Life After Drunk Guard Rams Car Into Them

As per reports, two students of North Eastern Hill University were left critically injured on Wednesday evening after a speeding vehicle driven by an intoxicated security guard rammed into them near Gate No. 2 of the campus.

The incident occurred around 7:30 pm, and CCTV footage captured the car accelerating towards the students before violently throwing them into the air. The vehicle also struck a scooty in the area.

East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem identified the driver as Parmen M. Sangma, a NEIGRIHMS security guard residing in a barrack inside the NEHU campus. The vehicle, a ML 05 J 4916-registered car, was confirmed to be driven under the influence of alcohol.

The injured students, both from the Chemistry Department, were identified as:

• Daritngen Ponduhkhei (20)

• Stephanie Shadap (22)

Initially taken to Civil Hospital, the duo were later shifted to the ICU of Nazareth Hospital due to severe injuries.

Police have detained the driver and seized the vehicle. An investigation is currently underway.

NEHU Condemns Incident, Appeals Against Sharing Graphic Videos

NEHU issued a strong statement condemning the incident, confirming that an FIR has been lodged. The university has directed a concerned section to prepare and submit a detailed report.

In a message of solidarity, NEHU said it “extends support, sympathy, and prayers” to the injured students and their families, adding that it is in constant touch with them and closely monitoring their medical condition.

The university also appealed to the public and media to delete and refrain from sharing graphic videos of the accident circulating on social platforms.

Registrar in-charge Prof. Saurabh Kumar Dixit said the continued circulation of such footage is causing “immense mental anguish” and violates the privacy of the victims’ families during a critical moment.

Also Read: Meghalaya: Tribute to Zubeen Garg as highlight during Cherry Blossom Festival