Seven arrested in Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) scam

A CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The state investigation cell (SIC) of state the police have arrested six Sub Inspector (Civil) and one Assistant Engineer (AE) in connection to the APPSC cash-for-job scam.

Addressing the media person at the secretariat here today, SP (SIC) Anant Mittal said that the 6 Sub Inspectors (SI) were undergoing training at North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA), Shillong, from where they were arrested last Thursday.

He said the SI arrested is Kangkeng Garu (28), Pakjum Gamlin (26), Jembang Darang (29), Yon Talom (27), Kaling Jerang (28), and Kali Yomcha (28).

And, the AE, Neki Ratan (34) was arrested today evening by the SIC from Pasighat, and she was working in the PWD at Mebo Sub-Division of East Siang District.

SP said the SIC feels that the prime accused Taket Jerang is not revealing the entire truth of the scam, and hence has sought a Narco Analysis test from the court. Subsequently, the court has permitted to carry forward with the test in a reputed forensic science laboratory.

He also said all efforts are being made to gather evidence from Taket Jerang on the alleged involvement of former APPSC Chairman Nipo Nabam, and other officials of the commission. Moreover, the former chairman was also interrogated, but no solid evidence has yet been received by the SIC to confirm his involvement.

"However, the SIC believes that Jerang is hiding important evidence. And, this will be only be revealed after the Narco Analysis test," he added.

He said, during the detailed investigation of the strong room, it is believed that Taket Jerang was not forwarding the answer sheet for evaluation. Rather, he himself was evaluating the answer papers and accordingly providing marks.

When questioned on the assets owned by Jerang, the brokers, and the amount paid for the question paper, SP said that a board has already been constituted in respective districts to reveal the assets of the accused and others, to which few reports have been received by the SIC.

"But the new challenge before the SIC is with the Tadok (local beads). In exchange for a favour from the accused, many candidates have provided local beads. However, the examination of the cost of beads is in process," he said, informing that SIC has also informed about the assets to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

SP also informed that the SIC has received 36 complaints regarding various examinations conducted by the APPSC so far, and few were repeated complaints. Thereby, amalgamating the entire case, the SIC started an investigation and accordingly arrested 46 people.

Among the 46, 39 are government servants. The respective departments have been served with the information of the arrest and it is now in the departmental actions as per proceedings.

"Also, to make it clear among the public, SIC has vehemently opposed bail applications filed by the 27 accused so far. Among all, only accused Minoty Borang was granted bail by the court as she is a feeding mother to her children," he added.

Meanwhile, when asked about the rumours of life threats to prime accused Taket Jerang, SP while confirming the information said that the accused is in judicial custody, and his protection is upon the court.