TURA, June 5: BJP MDC from Tura Bernard N Marak has filed a police complaint against members of locality development committees, for allegedly collecting money, in the name of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), from residents of Reservegittim and Sillanggre localities on the pretext of issuing them pattas against their lands.
In a complaint filed with the Araimile police outpost, the Tura MDC said, “GHADC does not authorise anyone to collect money on its behalf other than the amount payable in the office through challan but they, through threats, collected amounts ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 per household, which is too high and amounts to extortion.”
In the complaint, Bernard named four persons — Monjing K Sangma, Peldit Ch Marak, Leving A Sangma and Nonjing K Sangma, all members of locality development committees, as the accused.
Alleging that the residents were coerced into paying hefty amounts over threat that they would lose their lands and not be allowed to live in the locality, Bernard demanded that the money paid to the accused be refunded to the victims and action be taken against the culprits.
According to the Tura MDC, the land over which the money was collected is sub judice in the court of law with a title suit being filed in the district court. However, a woman, identified as Marbalione R Sangma, reportedly managed to acquire a new patta without the Nokma’s document.
Suspecting that GHADC officials and certain members may have been bribed, Bernard demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
“Strong action should be taken against the culprits for defaming the GHADC. If anyone from the GHADC is involved, they should be booked too. I do not want any illegal and unlawful activities carried out in my constituency especially in the name of the GHADC,” Bernard said.
