Zenith demands CBI probe into ‘irregularities’ in MeECL

SHILLONG, May 17: Congress MLA Zenith Sangma has demanded that the independent inquiry into the alleged irregularities be conducted by an independent body like the CBI.
Zenith’s reaction comes days after Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced that the state government has ordered a probe into the allegations of corruption and other irregularities in the MeECL.
The Congress legislator also demanded the ouster of Power Minister James Sangma and CMD of MeECL to ensure a free and fair inquiry.
Zenith also rejected James’ rationale that the reason why MK Chettri was appointed as the Director (Distribution) of MePDCL was because Chettri is seniormost engineer in MeECL.
“In the seniority list maintained in Electrical wing of MeECL, Mr. MK Chetry is at serial number 5. In fact in the rank of EE, SE and Additional Chief Engineer, Chettri’s name was always below these officers who he had superseded except Marchborn Marbaniang, who was always above Chettri in the rank of EE, SE and Additional Chief Engineer,” he said.
The MLA said that one of the criteria for the promotion to Director (Distribution) is that the person should have an experience as chief engineer for a period of at least one year.
He alleged that when the post for Director (Distribution) was vacant, Chettri had a five-month experience as chief engineer.
The Opposition MLA also alleged that in October 2020, the CMD had allowed an officer of the rank of the Superintending Engineer to prepare DPR, issuance of LOA etc, which is generally done by the chief engineer.
“There is a narrative that this is done in order to undertake some manipulations. It is alleged that this is done with involvement of Power Minister James Sangma,” Zenith Sangma said.