Bernard slams CM for police raid at farmhouse

TURA/SHILLONG, July 22: BJP stalwart Bernard Marak on Friday slammed Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma after the police had carried out a raid at his farmhouse in Edenbari locality of Tura.
Marak, who is the Tura MDC, alleged Sangma was targeting him through the use of state machinery to malign his image.
“The CM is getting desperate as he knows he is losing the South Tura seat to the BJP. He used the police to raid my farmhouse when I am not in the town. This is a desperate attempt by him to malign my image. It is nothing but political vendetta,” Bernard alleged.
He claimed the raid was illegal on the grounds that the police did not come with a warrant to search the premises. But West Garo Hills SP Vivekananda Singh said the actions taken were legal. He also refuted the charge of political vendetta.
Marak was in Shillong to attend the BJP State Executive meeting and celebrate the victory of NDA’s Presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu.
He said he will ensure the CM fails in his attempt to create fear among the BJP workers and supporters. He also said that he will file a case against the “unauthorised raid”.
“Our central leaders have been informed of the evil intention of the CM,” the BJP leader said.
He alleged Sangma is closing down his other businesses by using the authorities which are not issuing licences and NOCs.
“This is the only farmhouse which I am doing my business from,” Marak said, adding, “I will cooperate with all the inquiries.”