Officials take cover to avoid arrest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 31:
With the Government cracking the whip against high ranking officers responsible for deducting certain percentages from the employees as well as from the bills for contract and supply works to be given to underground organisations, a number of officials have reportedly gone into hiding.
A late report reaching the office of The Sangai Express today said that the police have interrogated the Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department, Chandel in connection with giving away money to underground organisations.
The State Government decided to come down hard on the officers following strict instructions from the Centre to cut off the finance route to the underground organisations.
Earlier, the Chief Secretary had issued strict instructions to book any officers under the NSA found going outside the State to meet UG leaders in connection with monetary affairs.
A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that the DGP and the police have been given strict instructions to take up fitting action against any Government officials found giving money to underground organisations.
In connection with the latest drive, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh today issued written instructions to all Heads of Departments to penalise any officer found deducting money from the salaries and bills of contract and supply works for underground outfits.
Earlier, the Chief Secretary had also instructed the DGP to book such officials under the NSA and prosecute them under the relevant laws.
Following the instructions given to the DGP, the State police have started investigating whether any officers are involved in giving away money to the militants, forcing some officers to go into hiding for the time being.
Speaking to The Sangai Express a senior Government official on condition of anonymity said that the Government means business this time and added that no one will be spared.
So far no officer has been arrested but efforts are on to identify them and take up action accordingly so that the trend is curbed, said the source further.