JOWAI: A third inquiry into the alleged misuse of MGNREGS funds at Larnai village in West Jaintia Hills District was conducted on Wednesday by Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC), R. Kharbihkhiew. The re-investigation was conducted in the presence of BDO, Thadlaskein C&RD Block, A.M. Lyngdoh, FKJGP leaders T. Lytep and D.S. War and suspended VEC chairman Augustre Lamare and secretary Philanda Lamare, besides the villagers.
Prior to the inquiry, the EAC informed the villagers that the probe has to be conducted again due to complaints from the villagers and FKJGP.
“I will submit the report to the Deputy Commissioner who is also the Coordinator of the District Rural Development Agency,” Kharbihkhiew said after the inquiry.
It may be noted that following an RTI report which revealed that the former VEC of Larnai village had misused MGNREGS funds meant for developmental projects, the DC ordered a probe.
When the probe indicted the VEC, the DC ordered the VEC secretary and its chairman quit their posts and to re-fund the misused amount of Rs. 6,40,500.
The former secretary and chairman, however, requested the DC to order a reinvestigation into the alleged misuse of funds following which the BDO, Thadlaskein, conducted an inquiry without informing any of the complainants. Based on the report submitted by the BDO, the DC provided some respite to the two VEC members and reduced the amount to be refunded.
However, the villagers and the FKJGP registered another complaint and demanded a fresh inquiry headed by a Magistrate.