Letters to The EDITOR

Zero-Tolerance & Coal Scams

After taking over the reins of power, Sarbananda Sonowal announced the new government’s stern stand: Zero–tolerance on corruption! Rightly enough, several scams were unearthed. Mention may be made of the infamous cash-for-job APSC scam. Several persons involved in syndicates also have been nabbed.

However, on certain issues the Chief-Minister’s grip appears to have slackened. We also note with concern how some newly inducted BJP youths (who migrated from other parties) openly continue their spree of syndicate raj, particularly in the railway yards, coal and transport to mention a few.

But the coal syndicate carried out by coal mafia Abdul Ahad Choudhury in Barak Valley has created ripples in the corridors of power. His arrest as well as his diary has opened the Pandora’s box. A page of the diary recovered by police from his house has revealed the names of many persons including MLAs, ministers, top police officials, with the details of amount paid to them per month. As transpired from a report that appeared in print media, we note with serious concern that a sum of Rs. 3.51 crore is paid to various persons.

A thorough probe must be instituted so that no culprit involved in the scam regardless of their designations and status can escape.

Ashok Bordoloi,

Dibruarh.