By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: One Sanjeev Daimeri belonging to a social organisation has alleged that Nipon Hajong who was appointed to the Meghalaya Civil Services by the State government last year was involved in serious wild life poaching case which is still pending in the court.
Without waiting for the case to be disposed off, the state government has appointed Hajong to the MCS and he is now serving as an Extra Assistant Commissioner in the Deputy Commissioner Office at Shillong. “Nipon Hajong has had a run in with the law when he allegedly tried to smuggle an endangered species of turtle for local consumption” said Daimeri.
Daimeri has alleged that a case was filed against Nipon Hajong by the Wild Life Protection Range Tura on September last year under section 9, 43, 48 and 50 of the Wild Life Protection Act 1972 which was later forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner West Garo Hills. The case came up for hearing in the Court of Magistrate First Class West Garo Hills, DD Shira on May this year which was ordered to be transferred to the Court of 1st Class Magistrate H Bhagotia for disposal. “The case is still pending in the court till date”, Daimeri stated.
Referring to the offence as serious, Daimeri said if one is convicted under the Wild Life Protection Act 1972, he may face 3 years imprisonment or a fine of Rs 25,000 or both. “It is a known fact that some aggrieved persons have filed a case in the High Court against the state government, the MPSC and Nipon Hajong with a prayer to review Hajong’s appointment”, he added.
Unhappy with the selection process, Daimeri said other candidates have petitioned the Union Home Ministry to conduct a CBI enquiry into the entire selection process.
It is learnt that the unsuccessful candidates are now preparing to approach the Supreme Court if necessary to get to the bottom of the matter.