Pradyut, Rakibul, Munda cost Assam Rs 800.45 crore: KMSS

A question that remains to be answered is: If the CAG had asked Dispur to conduct an inquiry into the scam way back in 2012, what prevented the government in the State led by Tarun Gogoi from conducting an inquiry into the scam and punish the culprits? 

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, May 9: The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samity (KMSS) today alleged that former Assam forest ministers Pradyut Bordoloi and Rakibul Hussain, and present Forest Minister Etua Munda, in association with tiol Highway Authority of India (NHAI) authorities, deprived Assam of revenue amounting to over Rs 800.45 crore in the construction of roads in the state. The KMSS further said that this scam had been unearthed by the CAG way back in 2012 an asked Dispur to conduct an inquiry into the matter. Dispur, however, conveniently ignored the suggestion of the CAG.

Talking to newsmen in the city today, KMSS joint general secretary Vasco De Saikia said: "Tenders for stone, sand and boulder for the construction of tiol highways in the state were issued at the going rates in the market. The construction companies got their bills cleared for stone, sand and boulder at the going rates in the market, but they paid Dispur pittance, only the minimal revenue. Though this act, the state exchequer has been deprived of over Rs 800.45 crore."

Saikia said: "This swindling of funds was done through an understanding between former forest ministers Pradyut Bordoloi, Rakibul Hussain and present Forest Minister Etua Munda, and NHAI authorities."

The KMSS made this disclosure based on information received through RTI applications.

A question that remains to be answered is: If the CAG had asked Dispur to conduct an inquiry into the scam way back in 2012, what prevented the government in the State led by Tarun Gogoi from conducting an inquiry into the scam and punish the culprits?