VPP president and Nongkrem legislator Ardent M. Basaiawmoit today demanded the MDA government to reinstate the services of the three investigating officers in the office of the State Lokayukta.
In a statement issued today, Basaiawmoit said that the MDA government terminated the tenure of the services of the investigating officers in the office of the State Lokayukta in order to protect the corrupt political representatives belonging to the NPP including the close family member of the Chief Minister.
“If the present government does not reinstate the services of the terminated officers, the party will be forced to hit the street and launch a movement against corrupt practices of the NPP-led MDA government,” Basaiawmoit said.
The VPP chief also asked Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to stop interfering with the functioning of the Lokayukta “which is supposed to be independent and fearless”.
“The people of Meghalaya deserve a corruption-free state and good governance. As a responsible Opposition we will ensure that this government should not treat the people with contempt,” Basaiawmoit added.
It may be mentioned that the State government recently terminated three investigating officers of the State Lokayukta. They include Director of Inquiry and Prosecution Jainal Rymmai and enquiry officers Rymphang Pde and Anil K. Sangma.
In place of the sacked Lokayukta officials, the MDA government has appointed Israel W. Ingty as the new Director of Inquiry and Prosecution and three other enquiry officers – Challang Gabil Momin, John Clitzer A. Sangma and Baniateilang Diengngan.
The removal of the three Lokayukta officials followed their investigation of the construction of the GHADC members’ hostel costing Rs 6.01 crore from the Special Assistance, Central Plan Scheme 2015-16.
The investigation led to the charge-sheeting of the sitting NPP MLA Sanjay Sangma.
Apart from the NPP legislator, those named in the charge-sheet include former Chief Executive Member of GHADC, Denang T.Sangma, former GHADC members, Augustine R. Marak, Brilliant R. Marak, Dipul R. Marak, Kurosh M. Marak, Winninson Ch Marak, Dolly K. Sangma, Bhupen Hajong and Sukaram K. Sangma.
Hewingson A. Sangma, the former Principal Secretary of GHADC and another contractor Dolrich D. Sangma were also charge-sheeted.
