Ajanta Neog too grilled

SOCIAL WELFARE SCAM

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Feb 6: Former minister Ajanta Neog of the previous Congress government in Assam was interrogated by Vigilance and Anti-Corruption sleuths of Assam Police in connection with the suspected Rs 2,250 crore scam in Social Welfare department.

In the same case, two former ministers Akon Bora and Gautam Roy, who were ministers of Social Welfare department at different times during the previous Congress regime, have been quizzed earlier by sleuths.

Sources said Neog was grilled for two hours on different anomalies found to have taken place in the department concerned, and she fully cooperated with the investigating agency.

In the coming days, 5-6 directors will be questioned in the case and if necessary, the three ministers will again be interrogated by the investigating agency.

Sources stated that above 1,000 files relating to the case (no. 19/2016) have so far been seized. In March next, the Crime Branch is likely to submit part charge-sheet at the Special Judge’s Court in the case.

Sources further stated that the suppliers of items to the department concerned, if necessary, will be interrogated.

The suspected scam in Social Welfare department came to light recently during a review meeting called by Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal. The scam had allegedly taken place during the days of the previous Congress government.

While attending the review meeting, a livid Sonowal had ordered a probe into the suspected scam, vowing to punish those guilty of siphoning off enormous funds in the me of feeding 9 lakh non-existent children in anganwadi centres for the past 15 years. Later on, 390 fake anganwadi centres were detected. These centres were fraudulently entered for siphoning off money.