Lokayukta chargesheets former MDCs on charges of graft; seeks special Court for trial

The Meghalaya Lokayukta has chargesheeted 13 contractors, ex-MDCs, and other staff of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) Tura, for their involvement in corruption activities.

As per an order dated May 18, 2023, the director of prosecution of Lokayukta on Branch, Police Station, Tura, has filed the charge sheet against 13 individuals who are EX MDCs, contractors, and the staff of GHADC.

The case was first filed by Nilberth Ch. Marak in the court of Lokayukta on May 2, 2019 against Ismail Marak, ex-MDC of Asanang, for alleged misappropriation of Rs. 1 crore fund for the implementation of various projects in Asanang Constituency.

According to the complainant, a total of 49 projects were allotted to the Asanagh constituency; however, these projects were not properly implemented.

Following which, the Lokayukta passed an order for preliminary inquiry into the matter. After the preliminary inquiry was done, the Lokayukta found prima facie evidence against Ismail Marak and other public servants.

On July 24, 2019, the Lokayukta passed an order for a CBI inquiry. However, the order of the Lokayukta was challenged in the High Court of Meghalaya by way of Writ Petition No. 293 of 2019.

On May 6, 2021, the Honorable Division Bench of the High Court of Meghalaya, in an order, disposed of the matter, and the case was remanded back to the court of the Meghalaya Lokayukta in an order dated February 18, 2022, which directed the Director General of Police, Meghalaya, to investigate the case and submit the report along with the charge sheet before the Lokayukta.

The chargesheet was then taken by the investigation officer in compliance with the order of the Lokayukta order dated May 18, 2022, but due to some unavoidable circumstances, the investigation officer has taken about a year to complete the investigation.

The investigation was then completed on May 18, 2023, and the investigation report was submitted to the court of Lokayukta.

On the basis of the report, the Lokayukta passed an order directing the Director of Prosecution of Lokayukta to submit it to the public prosecutor of West Goro Hills, Tura.

The list of public servants charge sheeted under Section 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:

1. Boston R. Marak, FORMER CEM of GHADC
2. Mark Goera B. Marak, former E.M of GHADC from Batabari Constituency
3. Winnison Ch. Marak, Former Dy. E.M of Rongrikimgre Constituency
4. Jimbirth R. Marak, Former E.M Amongpara Constituency
5. Levastone T. Sangma, Former E.M Jenjal Constituency
6. Righteous N. Sangma, former E.M Babellapara Constituency
7. Rupert M. Sangma, former E.M Tura Constituency
8. Kenedick S. Marak, former E.M Siju Constituency
9. Dhormonath Ch. Sangma, former E.M Naguapara Constituency
10. Ismail Marak, former MDC 16 Asanang Constituency
11. Kubon Sangma, Contractor
12. Nikseng Sangma, Contractor
13. Hewingson A Sangma, Secretary GHADC

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