By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Joint Action Committee (JAC), Gambegre circle has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India that Congress candidate from Salmanpara constituency, Winnerson D Sangma, had misused over one crore rupees from the Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana (RSVY) meant for various schemes in Gambegre Block while he was the Block Development Officer of the Block since 2004.
In a complaint submitted to the Secretary of the Election Commission of India, the president and general secretary of the Committee claimed that Sangma had misused an amount of Rs 20 lakh for the construction of rural roads from Mangguagre to Nengja Bolchugre besides a fishery pond at Nengja Bolchugre worth Rs 7.82 lakh, mini irrigation projects at Goragre and Dilnigre worth Rs 7.50 lakh each.
Taking strong note of the alleged scam, the committee has asked the Election Commission to take stringent action under the provision of criminalization of politics.
The complainants also claimed that Sangma had misused Rs 20 lakh meant for construction of an RCC bridge at Bolmapara.
According to the complainants, AVD Shira, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Tura, who succeeded Winnerson Sangma as the BDO of Gambegre, on receipt of directives from the Project Director, DRDA, West Garo Hills inquired into the matter and found his predecessor guilty of misusing large amount of funds under the RSVY.
The JAC expressed concern over the fact that DD Lapang and Dr Mukul Sangma, despite knowing about the misuse of funds, offered the ticket to Sangma.
When contacted, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Pravin Bakshi, said that the inquiry into the allegations were conducted by AVD Shira but the inquiry could not be completed due to certain reasons.
“Whatever findings were unearthed in the inquiry have been forwarded to the Election Commission of India through the Chief Electoral Officer,” Bakshi added.