Activist surprised by Adelbert’s FIR

SHILLONG, March 11: RTI activist Disparsing Rani on Saturday expressed surprise over the FIR filed by North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum against alleged discrepancies in funds to meet COVID-19 expenditure.
Speaking with a section of media after giving his statement before the Investigation Officer (IO) at Sadar Police Station in relation to the aforesaid FIR, Rani said he was summoned by the police since Nongrum had mentioned his name in the FIR that the former is in possession of documents on the alleged misappropriation of funds for COVID-19 activities.
Rani said he informed the IO that he has shared the documents, which he received from Union Health Ministry, with Nongrum on WhatsApp.
“I was caught by surprise when Nongrum had filed the FIR since he had never indicated to me. I came to know about the FIR only through the media reports. I have also clarified to the IO that I am not a party to this FIR,” Rani said.
Earlier, Nongrum had also given his statement before the IO in connection with the FIR he had filed on February 16.
“I have reminded that I have filed this FIR as a responsible citizen and not in the capacity of a former MLA. I hope that the law will take its course of action,” the VPP MLA said.
Nongrum had mentioned that the reply of the former Health Minister James K Sangma on the floor of the Assembly during the Autumn Session last year was misleading not only to him but to the people of the State.
The MLA said he hopes that the inquiry will help unravel the truth.