HC directs CBI probe against ex-galand Health minister

Corruption in Phek-Chozua road project

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Aug 23: In another landmark judgement, the Gauhati High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to register a case and initiate a probe against former galand Health minister Kuzholuzo Nienu and six PWD employees of that State for corruption in a road project.

A PIL was filed by former galand MLA Thuputhiyi Venuh (Ex-MLA of galand) in 2007 relating to construction of a 44-km road from Phek to Chozuba at the estimated cost of Rs 1,794 lakh.

It was alleged in the PIL that the work was not executed as per the terms and conditions in the tender notice, although an amount of Rs.14.9 crore was released. A large chunk of that money was allegedly misappropriated by the contractor in connivance with the then Health minister and other public functiories who were entrusted to execute and supervise the protect.

The petitioner also stated that more than Rs 8 crore was deposited in the persol account of the minister at the request of the contractor, which is unheard of in official fincial transactions.

The State Vigilance Commission of galand, in its affidavit submitted in the court, stated that, “During the course of investigation it was found that there were some grave irregularities in the work. Those works which were not in the DPR, were shown to be done”.

The technical report further disclosed that black topping of the road was not done. Diversion of fund and irregularities committed by the officials had been reported to the higher authority, basing on which the commission had sought sanction for prosecution against the government officials from the appropriate discipliry authority.

A division bench of Gauhati High Court comprising of Chief Justice (Acting) K. Sreedhar Rao and Justice PK Saikia also directed the CBI to register a case against M/s KK Chire & Co. (a registered Class-I contractor firm of galand owned by the brother of the minister) which executed the work.