IPS officer to probe into funds misappropriation case by Tamenglong ADC officials, members

TFM Desk

Manipur Lokayukta has now utilised the service of SP Kamjong Ravi Choudhari to probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds by at least 21 Tamenglong Autonomous District Council (ADC) officials, members, and engineers. The probe is to be completed within six months from the date of the registration of the case.

It was alleged that the Autonomous District Council (ADC), Tamenglong had spent a sum of Rs 18,02,30,072/- (Rupees eighteen crores two lakhs thirty thousand and seventy-two) for developmental works. However, on inspection of the spots where the works were supposedly executed, the complainants found that most of the works have not been finished and on the contrary, the expenditure meant for the developmental works were allegedly released by D Gangmei, the then CEO, ADC, Tamenglong to the executing agency without verifying the correctness of the works.

It has also been alleged that those involved were in connivance with the executing agency and other officials of the ADC, Tamenglong. They had shown undue favour to the implementing agency in awarding the developmental works despite many defaults/errors in the process of awarding the same, said the Manipur Lokayukta.

The funds released were to be used for (i) Development of inter-village roads; (ii) Construction of water tanks/reservoirs; (iii) Construction of public toilets; (iv) Construction of waiting sheds; (v)  Construction of pucca drainages/water storm drainages; (vi)  Improvement of playgrounds; (vii)  Construction of community halls and village authority offices; (viii) Extension/improvement of primary schools; and (ix)  Setting up of solar street lightings etc.

Manipur Lokayukta in one of its earlier orders said that a preliminary inquiry report found out that there were irregularities and offences allegedly committed by many individuals/officials. The report said that prima facie, “evidence is established of criminal conspiracy and misappropriation of sanctioned amount awarded under 14ᵗʰ FC 2017-18 by these public officials”.

After naming all those entangled in the case, Manipur Lokayukta said that due to the “irregular actions” of the public servants, unauthorized liability is accounted for and the officials and individuals have been charged under section 5, Manipur Public Servants’ Personal Liability Act, 2006.

The Superintendent of Police (SP) Kamjong Ravi Choudhari has been directed to investigate the case of misappropriation of funds by exercising power conferred under the Manipur Lokayukta Act 2014 taking the preliminary inquiry report as the basis of registering the case at Crime Branch Police Station.