Mizo Student’s Union President Samuel Zoramthanpuia Arrested In Connection to Kidnapping and Extortion
First Published: 9th November, 2024 13:49 IST
The preliminary findings reportedly confirmed the misappropriation of funds, implicating Zoramthanpuia, who served as MSU's general secretary
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Mizoram recently arrested Samuel Zoramthanpuia, President of the influential Mizo Students’ Union (MSU), on charges of defrauding and misappropriating funds meant for COVID-19 relief and medical aid for Myanmar refugees. Zoramthanpuia, 34, was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, which ordered his remand to judicial custody, after which he was sent to Central Jail in Tanhril, Aizawl.
The allegations stem from complaints received by the ACB in 2022, indicating irregularities in the use of Rs 50 lakh, sanctioned by Mizoram’s Health and Family Welfare Department, and an additional Rs 15 lakh donation from the Chin Health Organisation (CHO). Both funds were meant for COVID-19 relief and medical aid for Myanmar refugees in the state. Following these complaints, the ACB registered a case on October 17 and initiated an investigation. The preliminary findings reportedly confirmed the misappropriation of funds, implicating Zoramthanpuia, who served as MSU’s general secretary at the time.
Further charges were also brought against Zoramthanpuia concerning a kidnapping and extortion incident involving non-local employees of a construction firm contracted under Mizoram’s Power and Electricity Department. The workers, employed at the department’s Zuangtui site in Aizawl, were allegedly kidnapped by ten MSU members, including Zoramthanpuia. The employees were reportedly threatened with prolonged captivity unless a ransom of Rs two lakh was paid. Mizoram Police intervened on Friday evening, successfully rescuing the three workers.
This case marks a significant development in Mizoram, raising serious concerns about corruption and violent tactics within the MSU. As the investigation unfolds, the ACB is expected to delve deeper into the extent of the alleged embezzlement and Zoramthanpuia’s role in the organisation.
Also read: AR and Mizoram Police Seize Huge Cache of Explosives, Arrest Two Individuals
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