Trinamool Congress national spokesman Saket S. Gokhale has sought a reply from East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo whether the final enquiry report into allegations of cash distribution by cabinet minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare has been submitted to the State government.
In a letter to Laloo today, Gokhale reminded about the enquiry ordered by the Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer and entrusted to the East Khasi Hills district administration regarding reports of Lamare allegedly distributing cash to people in Nongkrem constituency.
Gokhale also stated that in October this year, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had said that the final enquiry report was awaited from the East Khasi Hills district administration. However, till date, the final enquiry report has not been made public.
“While Tynsong claims that distribution of cash before the Model Code of Conduct is not illegal, it may be noted here that distributing cash without any receipt amounts to serious violations of several laws including the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. It is the responsibility of the district administration and the police to ensure that black/unaccounted cash is not being laundered and distributed to people. Moreover, when a cabinet minister allegedly distributes cash to people, there are serious questions over the source of the money and the legitimacy of the cash. Keeping a check on black money and its alleged laundering through distribution of cash amongst people is the responsibility of the district administration to probe and report to the Enforcement Directorate under the PMLA, 2022,” Gokhale said.
He also sought to know if the final enquiry report into allegations of cash distribution by Lamare has been submitted to the State government and to furnish a certified copy of the enquiry report submitted to the State government and State Chief Electoral Officer.
Gokhale also sought a reply from Laloo whether the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was informed about the alleged cash distribution and whether a copy of the final enquiry report was submitted to the ED.
“As the Meghalaya Assembly Elections, 2023 are approaching, you are requested to kindly respond to the aforementioned points and this representation urgently in order to prevent any kind of ‘corrupt practice’ as defined under the Representation of The People Act, 1950 and in order to ensure that the upcoming election are free and fair,” he said.
