Musahary sworn in as first chairperson of Meghalaya Lokayukta

SHILLONG, NOV 6: Former Judge of the Guahati High Court, Pranoy Kumar Musahary was on Tuesday sworn in as the first chairperson of the Meghalaya Lokayukta, which is an anti-corruption authority.

The oath of office and secrecy to Musahary was administered by the Governor Tathagata Roy at the Raj Bhavan here.

The ceremony was held in the presence of few cabinet ministers – Metbah Lyngdoh and Lahkmen Rymbui – and Assembly’s leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma besides senior government officials.

However Assembly Speaker, Donkupar Roy, chief minister, Conrad K. Sangma, deputy chief minister, Prestone Tynsong, home minister, James K. Sangma, and other ministers were not present.

Speaking to reporters after oath taking ceremony, Musahary appealed to the public to cooperate with the Lokayukta and file complaints against people who indulge in corruption.

“I appeal to the public to cooperate with the Lokayukta by filing complaints about people indulging in corruption,” he said.

Asked whether the Lokayukta would consider taking up some of the high profile cases in Meghalaya, Musahary said, “Let the complaint be filed first, we will see. For the time being I will ask the police to make preliminary inquiries.”

The newly sworn in Chairperson further urged the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government to take steps to appoint the four members of the Lokayukta.

“I will request the government to appoint officers like the secretary to the commission who will make the preliminary inquiry into the allegations made in the complaints,” Musahary said.

By Our Reporter