SHILLONG: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Legislative Assembly said on Wednesday the investigation into the Mawpalai fictitious land deal has picked up pace and that the CID will submit the report by the end of February.
PAC chairman Paul Lyngdoh told reporters on Wednesday that the police department, through the special SP of the Crime Investigation Department, has sent monthly progress reports to the committee.
“We considered two months’ reports. There has been substantial progress in the investigation. The statement of a retired official of the Forest and Environment Department was recorded. The police department has assured that the overall investigation will be completed and report will be submitted to the PAC by the end of February,” said Lyngdoh.
PAC had pulled up the police department last year for tardy investigation after the committee found anomalies in land acquisition for Mawpalai afforestation area in Ri Bhoi.
The deal involved payment of Rs 8 crore to former Congress legislator from Umroi S.W Rymbai despite the fact that the land was already in the possession of the Soil and Water Conservation Department.
Power Dept’s assurance
The Power Department is taking all measures to avert electrocution accidents, said PAC on Wednesday. The committee made the statement in the context of the Mawphlang accident last October in which six members of a family, including a 35-year-old pregnant woman and her seven-month-old infant, died from electrocution.
“We were assured that such incidents will not take place in the future. The Power Department informed that a system overhaul is underway. Servicing of transformers has started,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
On lighting city streets, Lyngdoh said the situation has improved 91 per cent coverage has been achieved so far.
