A formal complaint has been filed to the State Lokayukta seeking urgent independent investigation into the various irregularities in the purchase and allotment of vehicles including misuse of fuel by a senior police officer which was revealed in the recent inquiry report by the Police Department.
It may be mentioned that a departmental inquiry headed by Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mukesh Kumar Singh looking into the purchase and allotment of vehicles has found serious irregularities pointing to a major scam with the alleged involvement of Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Gabriel K. Iangrai.
All India Trinamool Congress spokesman Saket S. Gokhale in a complaint to Meghalaya Lokayukta chairman Bhalang Dhar today stated that despite an enquiry committee headed by Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mukesh Kumar Singh exposing these irregularities in a report to the Director General of Police, there has been no action against Iangrai.
“In fact, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya has blatantly claimed in press statements that these irregularities cannot be called a ‘scam’ despite all facts indicating that public money from the exchequer was misused for the personal gain of a senior police officer,” Gokhale said.
“In light of these developments, the true nature and extent of this scam can only be brought to light through an independent investigation. The inaction of the Government of Meghalaya in this matter despite a scathing enquiry committee report clearly shows that there is a lack of will to take action against those involved in these irregularities and that there is an active attempt being made by senior ministers and officials of the Meghalaya Government to bury this scam,” he added.
Gokhale also urged the Meghalaya Lokayukta to conduct an independent investigation urgently into these irregularities and take immediate action against all those involved in this scam.
It may be recalled that on September 4, Meghalaya Lokayukta chairman Bhalang Dhar was quoted in the media saying that the State Lokayukta is willing to initiate an enquiry into these allegations if a formal complaint is made as there is no provision for suo-moto investigation in the Lokayukta Act.