MLAs demand CBI probe into Pinch's death

From our correspondent

Itagar, March 9: Majority of the members of the Aruchal Pradesh Assembly on Friday demanded for expediting speedy investigation into the mysterious death of former MLA Ngurang Pinch and asked the Government to consider handing over the case to the CBI.

The body of Pinch was found at Hatimatha in Papum Pare district on November 18 last year. Pinch, who was the chairman of Aruchal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB), was on a rafting expedition along with eight others and stayed on the river bank near the confluence of Popum and Poma rivers. Pinch was found missing in the morning of November 18, and on search his body was found floating at Hatimatha between Basar llo and Ra Ghat on Assam side.

However, the family of Pinch suspected it as a case of well-planned murder and demanded of the State Government for a proper investigation by a competent authority. Taking part in the obituary reference in respect to former Home Minister Tako Dabi, Pinch and other two former legislators, Jobom Basar and Lokam Tado,  Urban Development Minister bam Rebia said that the State Government should consider handing over the case to the CBI.

Stating that a Special Investigating Team (SIT) of the State police has been investigating the case, Rebia, who represents Doimukh constituency, asked the agency to speed up investigation. Taking part in the discussion, Chief Ministr Pema Khandu admitted that the investigation by the SIT was not on fast track. “As per the directives of the High Court, the State Government has already constituted a Special Investigation Team with two superintendents of police (SPs) as investigating officers under an officer of DIG rank. The investigation will be completed within two months,” the Chief Minister said, and assured of providing a copy of the investigation report to Pinch’s family.