SHILLONG, Sep 22: Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Thursday said the state government has sought necessary information from the Home department on the “irregularities” in the procurement of vehicles in the Police headquarters (PHQ) unearthed during an internal probe.
He disclosed that the PHQ submitted a report to the government and the Home department asked for additional information before going ahead with any kind of action.
Asked what kind of information has been sought, the minister said allegations have to be substantiated and the government has to see that any inquiry is within the parameters of the law.
The five-member inquiry team, which unearthed the “vehicle scam”, consisted of IG (Law and Order) Mukesh Kumar Singh, DIG (Eastern Range) DNR Marak, Commandant of MLP 1st Battalion Claudia Lyngwa, SP (Anti-Infiltration) JG Momin and officer in-charge of central workshop B Khongwir.
Meanwhile, Rymbui said there is no evidence that the Tura Medical College and Hospital site is being used by the militants to regroup. But, he added, as inputs like these cannot be brushed aside, the West Garo Hills police are monitoring the area.
Thangkhiew’s killing
The Home minister did not commit to a CBI probe into the August 13, 2021 killing of former HNLC leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.
The report of the judicial inquiry, headed by Justice (retd) T Vaiphei, had stated that the police action against the former rebel leader was a “botched-up operation”.
The family members of Thangkhiew are demanding a CBI probe but Rymbui said he cannot comment anything on the demand now.
“I have already explained the stand of the government on the floor of the House,” he said.
Asked if any action was taken against the Tactical Team-1 which carried out the raid at the house of the former HNLC leader, Rymbui said the government will seek necessary explanation from the personnel and decide what is to be done.
He said it is everyone’s desire to get justice and the government is there to give justice to everybody.
The probe report, tabled in the Assembly recently, mentioned it was a botched-up operation which failed in its objective of apprehending Thangkhiew alive, who could have given the police valuable information about the subversive activities of the proscribed outfit.
HYC demands CBI probe
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Thursday demanded a CBI probe into the “botched-up operation” leading to the death of the former HNLC leader and questioned the government for deliberately trying to save those involved in the killing.
The HYC wrote letters to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, pointing out that the Tactical Team-I were responsible for the killing and hence they should be investigated into, put to trial and punished as per law.