TURA, Aug 2: The AYWO and AAYF from Ampati in South west Garo Hills have filed a joint FIR against two self-help groups (SHGs) from Garo Hills for allegedly siphoning off development money worth nearly Rs 50 lakh for purported complete projects under Zikzak Block in the same district.
The FIR by the two local groups was filed last month against the Akusa SHG, Walbakgre, in Tura, and Chinasa SHG of Kebolpara, Ampati.
In the FIR registered with Mahendraganj Police Station, the local groups alleged that a total of Rs 49.97 lakh meant for construction of several CC motorable road projects, was misused by the two SHGs. The organisations added that due to the fund misuse, five villages from the area including Durapara, Bagdagre, Debajani, Sangjangpara and Aruakgre were deprived off the development projects.
Interestingly, the Niksamso Garo Community Organization (NGCO), based in Williamnagar of East Garo Hills had earlier also filed a complaint in this connection with the South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner.
According to the complaint, a sum of Rs 9.98 lakh for the construction of ‘jeep-able road’ at Durapara village and Rs 9.99 lakh for construction of another CC jeep-able road at Bakdagre village was withdrawn by the secretary of Akusa SHG.
Similarly, sums of approximately Rs 9.99 lakh each for the construction of CC jeep-able roads at Debajani village, Sanjengpara and Aruakgre were withdrawn by the secretary of Chinasa SHG.
Interestingly, while all the projects were listed as complete on paper, none of them are visible on the ground.
