SHILLONG, Aug 25: The Police department, which is in the eye of the storm, following the damning revelation of a “vehicle scam” and blatant overstepping of jurisdiction and authority with regards to procurement of vehicles and their misuse by one police official, is maintaining a stony silence on the episode.
But the political masters have come out in support of the beleaguered police force. Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday assured to take action if the report is found true but at the same time said the probe report had not been officially submitted. On Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma defended the Police department, vehemently denying any anomaly and arguing that the word “scam” was being used to create a certain narrative.
But it remains a fact that the inquiry report confirms large-scale loot from the Police department by way of vehicles – ranging from SUVs to a truck to two-wheelers – bought and not registered because the necessary documents were missing and these vehicles were being put to personal use of Assistant Inspector-General (Administration) Gabriel K Iangrai.
In addition, the expose has prompted some senior police officials, who do not wish to be named, to raise pertinent questions against the department. They said it was no secret that Iangrai was the blue-eyed boy of former Director-General of Police and the Security Adviser to the Meghalaya government R Chandranathan and was allowed to run the Police Headquarters (PHQ) like his fiefdom. It follows therefore that Chandranathan too got huge financial favours from and through Iangrai for it is not possible for an AIG (A) who reports directly to the DGP to have indulged in corruption of such magnitude without the blessings of then DGP, the police official maintained.
Some officers have even stated that if Iangrai has indulged in such massive corruption under the very nose of the then DGP, then it can be construed that the former DGP is either a party to the loot or is so thoroughly incompetent that he could not detect the loot. Hence they are of the opinion that the former DGP too should be investigated.
“The petrol, diesel and other oils bills would have run into crores of rupees as this loot continued for about 30 months. How much of that loot was shared by Iangrai and with whom? Will the government recover the petrol and diesel expenses from Iangrai?” are questions that many in the police are asking today.
Some also ask why Iangrai not subjected to a CBI inquiry despite the overwhelming evidence against him. What has irked many in the police is the fact that state government has rewarded this officer who is being investigated for grievous misdemeanours by posting him as Commandant of the elite Special Forces-10. They feel demoralised that a corrupt cop is being rewarded.
Police officers also question whether misuse of official vehicles is the only corruption that Iangrai indulged in or there are many more such corrupt practices committed by Iangrai and with the tacit support of the former DGP. They feel that the government (if it has nothing to hide) should institute an in-depth inquiry into all the dealings during the former DGP’s time.
A senior police official also questioned why the state government has appointed Chandranathan as the State Security Adviser post his retirement. There were more capable and honest officers in the past but they never managed to secure post retirement re-employment, he observed.
Retired police personnel say they have never seen so much manipulation by one person at the PHQ. Their question is how can a person who is medically unfit and does not wear the uniform as he has taken exemption on medical grounds, is given charge of the elite SF-10. Strongly criticising the Civil Services Board (CSB) and the Police Establishment Board (PEB) that decided the recent posting and transfer of police officers, they asked if the above Boards have considered the impending inquiry and evident criminal offence while considering Iangrai’s transfer. “Is the transfer really in public interest? Will it not undermine the SF-10 as a force to have such an officer commanding them?” the former officers questioned.
According to them the transfer and posting of an officer who is under inquiry is neither in public interest nor administrative prudence. It goes against the interests of the organisation, the department, the state and the people. They pointed out that it serves only the interests of certain powerful individuals and contractors/car dealers. Their contention is that since enquiry is pending the transfer order should have been kept in abeyance.
“How can a prospective thief and scamster be given financial powers of Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the SF-10. In public interest and that is above all other interests, the proceedings of the CSB and PEB should be made public so that we know under what considerations an overtly corrupt officer is selected to be the Commandant of SF-10.
It is further learnt that besides the vehicle and petrol/diesel cases there are several other heads of accounts that need to be investigated. Now that the report is with the Home department, it is only just and fair that a CBI inquiry be initiated.
On Thursday two criminal cases were ‘recommended’ against Iangrai and registered with the Crime branch.
All eyes are on the Home department on whether strict action will be taken against Iangrai and if not then why not?
