SHILLONG, Feb 10: As the electoral battle heats up in the state, a scrutiny of the affidavits filed by the candidate and displayed on the website of the Election Commission reveals that several candidates belonging to various political parties have declared criminal cases pending against them.
The nature of the crime ranges from criminal conspiracy and forgery to grave ones like extortion, dacoity and sedition.
Surprisingly, none of the candidates have been convicted in any of the cases.
The Shillong Times has compiled a list of some prominent candidates who have declared criminal cases pending against them, in their affidavit.
“A case is pending against me in Laitumkhrah police station on the allegations of criminal conspiracy, cheating forgery, disappearance of evidence or giving false information and criminal conduct,” NPP’s East Shillong candidate, Ampareen Lyngdoh, said in her affidavit.
“The charges were framed; however, the case is still ongoing and no conviction has been made,” she added.
NPP candidate from Mawlai constituency, Teibor Pathaw has also declared a pending criminal case against him at CBI Oakland under section 420 and 406 IPC allegation of cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property and criminal breach of trust.
“I have not been convicted for any of the abovementioned offense,” Pathaw said.
Independent candidate from North Shillong constituency, Michael Kharsyntiew has a pending case registered in Lumdiengjri police station under section 323 of IPC for voluntary causing grievous hurt. “However, no charges have been framed against me,” Kharsyntiew said in his affidavit.
Congress candidate from Williamnagar, Deborah C Marak has a case registered against her in Williamnagar police station U/S 120 B, 171 F and 506 IPC for intimidation meted out to the voters and charges were also framed.
She also declared in her affidavit that she has not been convicted under any offence.
In South Tura constituency BJP vice president and party candidate Bernard N Marak has 14 cases registered against him under various section of the IPC in connection with the Rimpu Bagan case.
Cases under the POCSO Act and the Arms Act have been registered against him. He is currently out on bail.
KAM Meghalaya candidate from South Shillong, Angela Rangad also has a case registered against her at Sadar police station under 143/186 section 5(1) of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, unlawful assembly to demand implementation of the Street Vendors’ Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending Act, 2014, and refusing to stop the protest and using a small megaphone.
Congress candidate from Songsak and former GNLA chairman, Champion R Sangma has as many as 11 cases registered against him ranging from waging war against the state, extortion, theft, dacoit and kidnapping, conspiracy attempt to murder to fake currency case.
Of the many he was convicted in one case relating to obstruction and threatening of public servant in the discharge of his functions.
Former legislator and North Tura NPP candidate, Thomas A Sangma also has a pending criminal case against him registered at Sadar police station under section 376 (2)(n)/506 IPC for commission of rape repeatedly on a woman and criminal intimidation.
He declared that he has not been convicted for any offence.
NPP candidate from Mahendraganj, Sanjay A Sangma also has a complaint case no 5/2021 registered with the Meghalaya Lokayukta.
Under the brief description of offence, he said, “A building contract was allotted to me by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Tura. The building is half completed. I had completed the work as per the amount received but the complainant filed a petition before the Lokayukta that I did not complete the work.”
