SHILLONG, Aug 26: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s clean chit to the Police department on the matter of vehicle “scam” has left the NGOs and the civil societies livid.
Civil Society Women’s Organisation president Agnes Kharshiing on Friday asked as to how the CM claimed there was no scam when he has not yet received the report. She pointed out that the report was prepared by the Police department itself.
“It seems they are protecting someone very important at the top. How can the Chief Minister say there is no scam without an inquiry? Kharshiing asked.
She said the inquiry, which led to the revelation, was conducted by the “very reliable” Meghalaya police.
Kharshiing demanded a CBI inquiry into the case. There are many vehicles which were stolen in other states and sold in Meghalaya, she claimed.
Sangma had on Thursday said the report of inquiry into the alleged irregularities and mismanagement in the procurement of vehicles and use of fuel by the Police Headquarters (PHQ) does not point to a scam. He said scam has “become a fancy word” to change narratives.
The inquiry report, prepared based on the perusal of records and documents and received from the PHQ, states that 29 official vehicles were in the personal custody of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (A) Gabriel K Iangrai. He has been accused of stepping beyond his authority and misusing power.
Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) president Robertjune Kharjahrin suspected that the Minister may be involved in the scam and this is why, Sangma is in a hurry to support the accused officers.
“Judicial or CBI inquiry is needed. It will be good to have an inquiry to know the truth,” Kharjahrin said.
He, however, added that he is sure the government will not order a judicial or CBI inquiry as it does not want the truth to come out.
“The situation in the state is going from worse to worst. Let’s hope that the citizens of the state will make a difference when the time comes,” he added.
