Misappropriation of Rs 28.66-crore GHADC funds
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 4: In a significant action against alleged diversion of funds of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Shillong Sub-Zone on Thursday carried out search operations at five locations in Tura, West Garo Hills.
The searches were conducted in connection with a multi-crore misappropriation of development funds sanctioned for the Asanang constituency under the GHADC.
The ED is probing the diversion of Rs 28.66 crore, which was earmarked for various developmental works in the constituency but allegedly never utilised for the intended purposes.
According to officials, the main accused in the case include former GHDC CEM Boston Ch. Marak, former Asanang MDC Ismail Marak, and contractors Kubon Sangma and Nikseng Sangma.
Preliminary investigations reveal that 60% of the sanctioned funds were released irregularly to the two contractors, in clear violation of established procedures.
Acting under the instructions of accused Ismail Marak, multiple cheques were issued to the two contractors. Kubon Sangma is alleged to have withdrawn the entire amount entrusted to him and handed it over to Ismail Marak, while Nikseng Sangma reportedly transferred his share directly into a bank account as directed.
The ED’s operation marks the first major enforcement action in Tura in connection with the GHADC fund misuse case.
Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to trace the money trail and identify additional individuals involved in the financial irregularities.
It is pertinent to note that on May 18, 2023, the Meghalaya Lokayukta had filed a chargesheet naming Boston Marak, former GHADC Secretary Hewingson Sangma, 10 MDCs as well as a few contractors after it found them to be involved in a case of corruption revolving around public funds.
The Lokayukta had recommended that a special Court be set up in Tura so that action can be taken against those named in the chargesheet.
The Lokayukta heard a case filed by social activist, Nilbath Ch Marak of Williamnagar, in 2019 against the then MDC of Asanang, Ismail Marak and contractors, Nikseng Sangma and Kubon Sangma for misappropriating funds worth around Rs 28.66 crore from the Council without any work being done on the ground.
Besides Boston Marak and Hewingson Sangma, the chargesheet names Mark Goera Marak, Righteous Sangma, Jimbirth Sangma, Levastone Sangma, Winnison Ch Marak, Rupert Sangma, Kenedick S Marak, and Dhormonath Sangma and called them out for indulging in corruption.
After the Lokayukta found prima facie evidence of corruption, an order seeking a CBI inquiry was issued before it was challenged in the High Court of Meghalaya vide a writ petition. The high court then sent the case back to the Lokayukta.
The inquiry lasted close to a year before an investigation report was filed before the court.
Following the findings of the investigation, which included the misappropriation of Rs 28.66 crore of central funds in which the MDCs were involved, the Lokayukta filed the charge sheet on May 18, 2023.
