Magisterial inquiry into money transfer

SHILLONG, OCT 19: Faced with demand for CBI probe into the illegal transfer of Rs 2 crore from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) fund to two private bank accounts within two months, KHADC chief executive member PN Syiem tried to placate both the ruling and opposition members by promising a magisterial inquiry.

The decision for magisterial inquiry was taken after opposition and ruling members felt the case was fit for independent inquiry by the CBI to find out those involved in the scam and accordingly punish them.

Deputy chief executive member (CEM) also made a demand that executive member (EM) in-charge Finance Antonio N War surrender his portfolio pending the inquiry.

The house also witnessed argument between the KHADC chief PN Syiem and his deputy PT Sawkmie on participation by EC members in the debate on the zero hour notice moved by opposition HSPDP Teilinia Thangkhiew.

Sawkmie argued that as per rule he is allowed to take part in the debate to which Syiem objected saying the EC members can participate only after the members of the house.

However, KHADC chairman Manstudy Nongrem assured Sawkmie that he would be given a chance to speak later when it is the turn for the executive committee to reply.

During the course of the debate, opposition HSPDP MDC from Sohryngkham Pyniaid Sing Syiem termed the misappropriation of fund as a shame not only to the MDCs and staffs but the KHADC as a whole.

“We demand the executive committee to clarify on the matter as Rs 2 crore is a huge amount given the fact that such illegal transactions have taken place since 2013,” he said.

In support, UDP leader Teinwell Dkhar said that the illegal transfer of council’s fund is against the Fund Rules and this is a fit case which warrant for an independent inquiry.

Echoing similar views, former KHADC chief and also KHNAM MDC Adelbert Nongrum said, “It is time that the EC consider to handover the case to the central bureau of investigation (CBI) to ensure the guilty are punished.”

He informed that the state youth wing of his party has already sought an RTI on the issue related to the illegal transfer of council’s fund.

However, KHADC Dy CEM PT Sawkmie was of the opinion that handing over the case to the CBI is a lengthy process and suggested the executive committee to instead institute a magisterial inquiry.

He also added pending the inquiry the EM in-charge Finance should consider surrendering his portfolio to pave way for a free and fair inquiry.

In his reply, KHADC chief PN Syiem said the executive committee will set up a magisterial inquiry and it should submit the probe report within a period of two months.

“The inquiry report will also be shared with the MDCs and if they are not satisfied the EC will sit and decide its next course of action,” Syiem assured while informing that the EC is still in a process of collecting details related to the scam.

He admitted that the transferring of the KHADC fund to private bank accounts without following the laid down procedure is a matter of serious concern.He said the money transferred to the account of the KHCF is unofficial as it was done without the knowledge of the finance department.-By Our Reporter