Shillong, September 28: The Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell has initiated an investigation into Assam Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha’s acquisition of a tea garden six months ago.
As per IANS, members of the Cell visited Karimganj North, the MLA’s home constituency, and conducted interviews with several individuals.
It has been reported that the land tax for the tea garden remains unpaid following its purchase.
Purkayastha, a three-time MLA and the working president of the Congress party in the state, refuted any irregularities in the tea garden purchase. He explained that locals had initially requested him to buy the tea garden, but he lacked the necessary funds.
Later, he purchased it with the assistance of friends and associates for Rs 3.20 crore, all of which came from legitimate sources. Purkayastha maintained that they have records of every penny invested.
The legislator, known for his criticism of Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleged that he is being targeted for raising the land scam issue involving the Chief Minister’s wife in the state Assembly. He claimed that speaking out against corruption within the Chief Minister’s family has made him a target of the vigilance cell, characterizing it as an attempt to discredit him publicly.
Purkayastha did acknowledge that the land tax for the tea garden might be overdue but noted that it could still be settled with a late fee as provisions allow for such payments.
