Enforcement Directorate conducted searches in five locations in Tura in connection with diversion of Rs 28.66-crore GHADC funds
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 9: The state government on Tuesday chose to steer clear of the escalating storm over the Enforcement Directorate’s search operations in Garo Hills, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma making it clear that his administration would not offer any reaction to the ongoing probe.
He conveyed that there was “nothing for the government to react to” since the ED is an independent investigative body, and noted that it would be inappropriate for the state to comment or interfere in any form.
On allegations of fund misuse within the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the Chief Minister maintained that determining such matters rests solely with the ED.
He stated indirectly that the state government is not investigating the case and therefore cannot probe or find out what is happening, emphasising once again that the agency will do its job without external involvement.
His remarks came in the aftermath of last week’s extensive ED operations in Tura, where officers of the Shillong Sub-Zone carried out coordinated searches at five locations as part of a major crackdown on alleged diversion of GHADC development funds.
The case concerns the suspected misappropriation of Rs 28.66 crore sanctioned for various projects under the Asanang constituency. According to officials, the funds were meant for multiple developmental works but were never utilised for their intended purposes.
The ED has named former GHADC CEM Boston Ch. Marak, former Asanang MDC Ismail Marak, and contractors Kubon Sangma and Nikseng Sangma as the primary accused. Preliminary findings indicate that nearly 60% of the sanctioned amount was released irregularly to the two contractors in violation of established financial procedures.
The investigation remains active.
