Shillong: Following the news report that the CBI has filed its charge-sheet before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, East Khasi Hills recently, and named the former Registrar of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Rev Edwin Kharkongor, and three others, the Vice Chancellor, MLCU RG Lyngdoh on Saturday clarified that MLCU has been cooperating with CBI during investigations.
“We are unaware of the charges since the charge-sheet is not available to us as yet. Moreover the matter is sub-judice so we cannot comment on it,” RG Lyngdoh said, adding that he believes that justice will and should be served and MLCU will not stand in the way of investigations. Lyngdoh said that those found guilty in this case would have to face appropriate action. Sources said that the misappropriation of the NEC funds happened at the project site and is not in any way connected to the University as the Registrar had invested the funds released in Fixed Deposits in his name.
It may be reminded that MLCU had approached the NEC for the construction of North Eastern Career Institute for imparting courses in civil service, engineering, and medical management at the cost of Rs 3.93 crore. The idea was to provide quality coaching for candidates wishing to pursue the above-listed professional courses.
“The project was managed entirely by the former Registrar,” Lyngdoh said.
The first instalment of Rs 1.11 crore was released under Infrastructure Development of Educational Institute in the name of Rev. Edwin Kharkongor and out of this, Rs 1 crore was kept in fixed deposits (Rs 25 lakh each in four accounts). The interest accrued on the FDs is to the tune of Rs 12 lakh.
According to the findings of the CBI, the accused showed utilization of funds by stating that construction was going on and it was supported by the signature of the measurement book by Orianda and Glostick, while Delmonica who was supposed to verify the works did not do the job.
Later, NEC stopped releasing money and the three of the four fixed deposits were seized while one had already been withdrawn.
The date of hearing has been fixed for December 5 next.