Cases against BJP-AGP 'crimils' to be re-opened, threatens Anjan

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, April 25: Alleging that some government officers worked for the BJP in the recently concluded assembly elections, the State Congress today threatened to launch probes against them as well as re-open all cases of past "crimils" who were nomited by the BJP if the Congress comes to power.

"Some officers worked for the BJP in the elections. We have already lodged a complaint with the Election Commission. If the Congress retains power, we will launch probes against these officers," APCC president Anjan Dutta said.

Alleging that a number of candidates nomited by the BJP have a crimil background, Dutta said the present Tarun Gogoi government was "soft" on many cases. "But if the Congress comes to power again, we will reopen all the cases. Thorough investigations will be done and we will be tough this time," he said.

He said BJP candidate Kushal Duwari had been an "extortionist" having many cases pending against him.

"BJP candidate from Golaghat Bitopan Saikia had allegedly kidpped Hindi-speaking people and was an accused in the murder case of former minister gen Neog. BJP candidate from Khumtai Mril Saikia had sent letter bombs. The ambulance of his NGO was used to kidp people. Imagine the situation if people like BJP's Bhaskar Sharma (its Margherita candidate) gets elected," he wondered.

Dutta said while AGP candidate from Amguri Pradeep Hazarika was involved in a number of murder cases, Jayanta Khaund (AGP candidate from oboicha) is a SULFA leader and rayan Deka (BJP's Barkhetry candidate) a land mafia.

"Chandra Mohan Patowary was involved in the deep tube-well scam. Sarbanda Sonowal too had been an accused in a murder case. BJP candidate from Palasbari Prab Kalita collected money for the ULFA, while Samaguri candidate Jitu Goswami's property was confiscated by banks," the State Congress president alleged, adding that all the cases will be reopened.

When pointed out that even the Congress has nomited candidates who have police cases against them, Dutta tried to avoid a direct reply, but said those cases are "petty".

Pointing to the frequent visits of central ministers during the assembly election campaign, Dutta questioned why no BJP leader has gone to the flood-hit areas to take stock of the situation.

Dutta said that after a review meeting, Home minister Rajth Singh on April 22 last announced an assistance of Rs 842.7 crore for Kartaka, Puducherry and Aruchal Pradesh, which have been affected by drought or floods. "But not a single penny has been sanctioned for Assam. Is this the change the BJP is talking about?" he asked.