SHILLONG: The Opposition Congress has vowed to mount pressure on Meghalaya Government to withdraw the petition filed by the Government in the High Court challenging the direction of the Lokayukta for a CBI probe into the illegal transportation of coal.
Coming down heavily on the MDA Government for filing the petition, Opposition leader, Mukul Sangma accused the ruling of having a malafide and criminal intent to stop investigation into the matter.
Stating that the anti-graft body was constituted to fight corruption and it is doing its work as per the mandate, the Opposition leader, questioned as to who is that powerful person who has the guts to go against the order of the Lokayukta.
“What is the reason and what is the intent behind challenging the order,” the LO said.
Alleging that the State Government is deliberately delaying the whole process to destroy evidences and go scott free, he, however reiterated that the opposition would not allow this and pressure the government to withdraw the petition filed before the High Court.
“Anti graft body is not there for cosmetic purpose but to create a deterrence and ensure corruption-free Governance,” he said.
Reiterating that there is a cartel going on who are getting all the necessary protection by the government by way of stopping the anti-graft body from conducting inquiry, the leader of the Opposition urged the people of the state people to join hands in party’s bid to ensure that Government withdraws its petition.
It may be recalled that a Division Bench of the High Court of Meghalaya has deferred the hearing on the petition filed by the state government against the order of the Lokayukta for a CBI probe into the coal racket.
The affidavit challenged the order of the Lokayukta by stating the directive to have a CBI probe is beyond the jurisdiction of the anti-graft panel. Besides, the affidavit also pointed out various pending cases against Abdul Ahad Choudhury, who is supporting the petitioner Abhijit Basumatary, who had sought the intervention of the Lokayukta for the CBI probe into the alleged coal scam and transfer of Meghalaya officials to facilitate a fair investigation.