TURA, Jan 23: As a sequel to the Lokayukta ordering a probe into misappropriation of funds for several projects in Siju, social activist Nilbath Marak, who blew the lid off the “scam”, has filed an FIR against GHADC Chief Executive Member Albinush Marak after the latter allegedly threatened him over the phone on Thursday morning.
The development comes two days after Nilbath along with another activist Flaming Marak filed a case against the CEM over misappropriation of funds from incomplete contracts under his constituency, Siju. The case was filed with the Meghalaya Lokayukta on Tuesday following which a preliminary inquiry was ordered.
In the FIR filed in Williamnagar on Thursday, Nilbath stated that he received a call from the CEM in morning allegedly asking him to withdraw the case filed with the Lokayukta.
Nilbath had recorded the call which was made at 9:13 am. In the conversation between them, Nilbath alleged that the CEM threatened him stating that he would “see him” later while accusing Nilbath of a big ego for filing the case.
The FIR stated that Albinush has accused the activist of extorting money in the name of filing cases which he asserted were completely baseless and defamatory.
The activist in his complaint stated that he feared for his life and that of his family members after the conversation with the CEM.
“He called me to seek withdrawal of the case which is pending in the court. There are 22 contractors and if any of them decided to harm me or my family, the CEM should be held responsible,” Nilbath said in the FIR.
It may be noted that the Meghalaya Lokayukta ordered an inquiry against GHADC CEM Albinush Marak, former secretary of the Council Rikse Marak, the former Superintendent Engineer and as many as 21 contractors and staff of GHADC over allegations of non-completion of projects in the CEM’s constituency of Siju in South Garo Hills and fraudulent withdrawal of funds.
The Lokayukta issued the order on Tuesday after Nilbath and Flaming filed a complaint seeking an investigation.
The total amount of misappropriated funds, as per the activists, is more than Rs 11 crore over the past 3 years.
In 2020, a total of 20 projects were awarded which, the activists say, remain incomplete while in 2021, 23 projects were awarded, all facing a similar fate. In 2022 and 2023, a total of 76 more projects were awarded. The status of all these projects remains incomplete, claimed the activists.
“As per the financial rule, no advance payment can be made to the contractors without completion of works and without obtaining the completion certificate from the concerned authorities. However in the instant case, the GHADC CEM, secretary to the EC and the Civil Works Superintendent Engineer have allowed the withdrawal of 60% of the advance payment by the contractors without completion of works,” claimed the activists.
