Use of money power in poll?
SHILLONG: In its effort to prevent use of money power in the May 16 by-election to Tura Lok Sabha seat, the Flying Squad on Wednesday seized Rs 16.20 lakh somewhere near Jengjal in West Garo Hills from the brother-in-law of Independent legislator from Bajengdoba Brigady Marak.
Marak, a Parliamentary Secretary in charge Agriculture, Public Works Department (Building) is supporting the Congress-led MUA government.
Police sources said that the vehicle of brother-in-law of Brigady identified as Chongteng K Sangma was stopped by police in the presence of magistrate Dolrich G. Momin, who was on duty at Jengjal, on Wednesday evening.
Chongteng is a contractor.
Police are investigating whether the money was meant to be distributed among voters.
Another recovery was Rs 2 lakh ) from a vehicle belonging to Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh.
Lyngdoh is currently camping in Tura to campaign for Congress candidate Dikkanchi Shira.
However, when contacted, Lyngdoh said that he heard that the money was recovered from a passenger who was travelling in the vehicle.However, an election official said that the purpose for which Rs 2 lakh was being carried is yet to be known, while adding that preliminary information is yet to indicate any plan to misuse the amount.
Regarding the seizure of Rs 16.20 lakh, the official said the seized money has been kept in a strong room and the same will be handed over to expenditure observer deputed by the Election Commission of India.
The Income Tax department officials will also be examining the source of seized money on Thursday.