GHADC tax ‘irregularities’ probe
From Our Correspondent
TURA, Aug 25: Following the reluctance of Tura MDC Bernard Marak to come forward to answer questions put forward by the Special Inquiry Committee (SIC) over his allegations against the appointment of a financial advisor to the GHADC, the SIC members sent another reminder asking him to provide proof in written so that the inquiry could be carried out.
Bernard had claimed that Sumit Kumar Jain Bohra had “falsely” represented himself as the CA engaged by GHADC, resulting in severe financial mismanagement, tax evasion and corruption and had even filed an FIR against him alleging financial mismanagement and evasion of taxes.
Following the allegations, a Special Inquiry Committee was constituted by the EC of GHADC to initiate an institutional inquiry into procedural and administrative matters arising within the Council.
Bernard had expressed unhappiness at the composition of the SIC and refused to appear. However the SIC documentation officer and Batabari MDC, Ashahel D Shira asserted the SIC comprised of both ruling and opposition MDC and was established to ensure an impartial and balanced fact-finding process.
“A reminder letter has been issued again to Bernard N Marak requesting him to submit written replies to the SIC questionnaire concerning his repeated public allegations, which the Committee notes have implications for the reputation and institutional authority of the GHADC. The Committee has sought verifiable proof in support of these claims, in addition to points raised during his oral interaction with SIC members,” said Shira.
The findings of the process will be submitted to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Further the SIC added that a letter has been sent to the SP of WGH requesting facilitation for SI Damascus Rani to appear before the Committee.
“His clarification is sought regarding the police action undertaken inside the CEM chamber on June 6, 2025, which forms part of the institutional record under review. The SIC emphasises that its proceedings are being conducted in a fair, neutral, and constitutionally grounded manner. The Committee’s mandate is to uphold institutional respect, ensure procedural accountability and safeguard the integrity of GHADC as a Sixth Schedule autonomous tribal body,” stated Ashahel through the press communiqué.
The SIC assured all stakeholders and the public that the steps were part of a structured fact-finding process to be completed before the submission of its report to the EC for further consideration.