By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 4: Acquittal by the High Court of Meghalaya in the 2008-09 infamous “white ink case” or the “Education Scam,” has come as a huge reprieve for Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.
Lyngdoh, who was given a warm reception at her residence by her family members and supporters after the verdict, said she and her family suffered for 17 years. She said it was humiliating for her to attend hundreds of court hearings.
“I had told my mom I didn’t do it,” she said and added that she never misused her office to favour anyone.
“This verdict validates our stand that the name of the late PG Marbaniang is not compromised. We are a family that upholds justice,” she said, relief writ large on her face.
“I will pray for God’s guidance to give me strength to forgive those who harmed us,” she said, adding that she will fight the case if the verdict is challenged in the Supreme Court.
Asked about the fate of the two other accused, she said she is not answerable to those individuals and this judgment is specifically for her with respect to her case.
Earlier, Supreme Court lawyer and junior counsel of Salman Khurshid, Sanchita Ain told media persons that the Chief Justice in the open court remarked in clear terms that she is being discharged of all the charges and the orders passed by the trial court.
The charges against her are being set aside and therefore, no case exists against her as on today, Ain said.
Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had charge-sheeted Lyngdoh and retired government officials JD Sangma and Ameka Lyngdoh for “manipulating” the score sheets of candidates.
In 2017, the High Court ordered the CBI to take over the investigation after the Meghalaya Police had registered a case relating to alleged mass manipulation, tampering of score sheets and interference in the selection of assistant teachers in lower primary schools.
To a query, Ain expressed optimism that the High Court’s verdict will be upheld by the Supreme Court, if challenged.
Stating that the chapter is finally closed with this “historic” verdict, she said anyone has the right to challenge the order but the High Court has found that Lyngdoh had no involvement in the charges levelled against her.
Ain added that the High Court also found that the chargesheet filed by the CBI was flawed and that, it held no case was made out.
