Tura, Feb 28: Social activist, Greneth Sangma has filed a police complaint against the current MDC of Wagesik, Nathwal S Marak over allegations of misappropriation of funds and the illegal diversion of GHADC resources for personal electioneering in Gasuapara, Rongrikim and Silkigre MDC constituencies.
The FIR was filed following an RTI by the activist against schemes that were apparently undertaken by the MDC in his constituency of Wagesik. Greneth had also provided the MDC a 15-day time frame to provide an explanation of the missing ‘complete’ projects.
Marak is currently an Executive Member (EM) of the GHADC’s Civil Works department.
“It is reported that during his MLA election contest, the MDC illegally utilized public funds, contractors and laborers to construct road projects in the Gasuapara, Rongrikim and Silkigre constituencies specifically to influence and buy the support of voters. Furthermore, a systematic pattern of corruption has been uncovered where numerous development projects in his own constituency (2-Wagesik) are entirely missing on the ground, despite funds being fully withdrawn,” stated Sangma.
Sangma accused the MDC of diverting public funds sanctioned for development to construct road projects in Gasuapara, Rongrikim and Silkigre as a means to buy voters during his unsuccessful attempt at winning the MLA ections in 2023.
“He used his official position to coerce GHADC registered contractors and laborers into performing these works for his personal campaign benefit. These workers were paid using public money under the guise of official projects. Further RTI queries reveal that multiple construction projects in his own constituency were marked as “Completed” and funds withdrawn, but physical verification shows these projects are non-existent,” added the activist.
He also added that the MDC used photographs of infrastructure belonging to other departments to misrepresent the completion of these MDC schemes.
“He exploited his role as In-charge of Civil Works to sanction projects purely for personal political capital rather than public welfare. Given the gravity of this suspected corruption and the lack of response from the GHADC authorities, I have filed an FIR to institute an inquiry into the matter and book the MDC under appropriate sections of the law,” added Sangma.
The activist sought action under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act against the MDC and his accomplices through the FIR as well a spot inspection of the illegal road construction and verification of the ghost projects.
“An inquiry needs to be conducted on the locations marked in the RTI from my findings and cases filed against those responsible for the ghost and illegal projects. The illegal use of funds to influence voters, and the fraudulent use of external photographs to ensure that such corrupt practices are eradicated and the public exchequer is protected should also be investigated, felt Greneth.
