The Meghalaya Lokayukta has chargesheeted 13 persons, including ex-MDCs, staff of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and contractors in a corruption case in Garo Hills.
These are former GHADC CEM Boston R. Marak, former Deputy CEM Winnison Ch Marak, former executive members Mark Goera B Marak, Jimbirth R Marak, Levastone T Sangma, Righteous N Sangma, Rupert M Sangma, Kenedick S Marak, Dhormonath Ch Sangma, former MDC Ismail Marak, GHADC Secretary Hewingson A Sangma and contractors Kubon Sangma and Nikseng Sangma.
According to the May 18, 2023 order of the Lokayukta, Bhalang Dhar the director of prosecution will submit case records to the public prosecutor of West Garo Hills to initiate prosecution in a special court in Tura against the persons chargesheeted under section 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended).
The case was filed by Nilberth Ch. Marak through his counsel PT Sangma in May 2, 2019 for non-implementation of the project allotted to the Asanang GHADC constituency, West Garo Hills represented by Ismail.
Forty-nine projects were allotted to Asanang constituency for 2017-2018 at Rs 1 crore and all these projects were given to the two contractors, Kubon and Nikseng.
After inquiry, it was found that out of 49 developmental projects that were to be implemented/constructed under Asanang constituency, only one graveyard shed was constructed at Balupara and one water tank at Daljagre.
In July 24, 2019 the Lokayukta had directed the Superintendent of CBI to make inquiry into the matter including drawing charge sheet on the basis of the materials collected. However, being aggrieved by the order, Kubon and Ismail filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the order of the Lokayukta for CBI inquiry and also the vires of the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2014.
The court disposed the petition on April 6, 2021 in view of the amendment of the Lokayukta Act, 2014 and the case was referred back to Lokayukta.
