JOWAI: A magisterial enquiry has been ordered into the alleged MGNREGA scam in Larnai under Thadlaskein C&RD Block in West Jaintia Hillls District. The Larnai village employment council (VEC) has come under scanner following the alleged scam.
On Wednesday, Magistrate, M Lyttan accompanied by the Block Development Officer, AM Lyngdoh and leaders of the FKJGP including Thadlaskein circle president, Damain S War conducted an enquiry and took statements of the job card holders.
Local Rangbah Shnong, Agustre Lamare, who is also the VEC Chairman along with VEC Secretary, Phlinda Lamare and job card holders were present during the enquiry.
Following RTI findings received by the FKJGP and few residents of the village, it has been alleged that the Rangbah Shnong and VEC secretary misappropriated funds by purchasing materials from “ghost suppliers.”
“They (Rangbah Shnong and VEC Secretary) also forged the signature of two senior residents of the village, T. Nongrum and O. Shadap,” the residents alleged.
Nongrum revealed to the Magistrate that he has not supplied any material to the VEC.
“I was shocked to see that the Rangbah Shnong and VEC secretary have misused my name to pull out money to the tune of Rs 3,69,400,” Nongrum said.
Interestingly, Shadap confused not only the Magistrate but also the villagers and members of the FKJGP by claiming that he was a supplier. However, when asked to reveal what he had supplied, he said that he worked as a wage earner under the direction of the Ragbah Shnong.
According to the RTI report, Shadap has supplied sand, stones and other materials including rod and cements and a payment of Rs. 1,64,100 was made for the goods.
When asked whether he has received the amount as mentioned in the RTI report he said, “I don’t remember”.
The villagers, meanwhile, were divided on the issue. The BDO requested the residents to work hand in hand with the Dorbar Shnong and the VEC to ensure that such unwanted incidents are not repeated.