Probe into fictitious land deal gathers face

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Jan 27: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Friday said only after its nudge, investigation by police into the fictitious land deal of Mawpalai afforestation gathered pace.

Speaking to reporters, PAC Chairman Paul Lyngdoh informed that the CID will submit the report by the end of February.

It may be mentioned that on January 25, former Umroi legislator, Stanley Wiss Rymbai was arrested by police in connection with his alleged involvement in the Rs 8 crore Mawpalai land scam.

Rymbai was summoned today by the Crimil Investigation Department (CID) of the State police and was interrogated on the case by senior CID officials.

Police said that Rymbai was arrested on the basis that he might tamper with the evidence if he was let off.

Recently, the PAC said that the police department, through the special SP of the Crime Investigation Department, has sent monthly progress reports to the committee.

Earlier on Friday, villagers of Umsawkhwan in Ri Bhoi district staged a protest in front of the Director General of Police’s (DGP’s) office demanding immediate release of Rymbai.