Action taken, probe underway in SDRF graft case
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 02 2022:
The state government has initiated strict action against the Commandant, Inspector, Havildar and Rifleman of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in connection with a corruption case.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption police station has been tasked to further investigate the matter, ADGP (Law & Order) Clay Khongsai informed on Thursday.
Addressing a press meet held at the conference hall of SP Imphal West, ADGP Clay Khongsai said that on receiving information about corrupt activities being carried out in SDRF, a team conducted a raid at SDRF office located within 2MR premises around 6.30 am on May 31.When the team reached the location, they found only the SAR in attendance, following which all SDRF staffers were ordered to assemble for fall-in by 8.30 am.
When the clock struck the fall-in time at 8.30 am, 117 of the total 152 staff of SDRF were present.
Of the 117 staff present, 10 were separated and taken to SP Imphal West office for interrogation wherein it was confirmed that corrupt activities were undergoing in SDRF but no concrete evidence could be found, the ADGP added.
The ADGP continued that Havildar RK Momosana of 5 IRB and MPTC rifleman Sagolsem Yainingkhomn-ganba, both of whom are currently attached to SDRF, were called for questioning.
They revealed that some of the SDRF personnel were engaged in private works.
Despite being absent from duty, they were recorded as present after payment of bribe ranging from Rs 3000 to 5000, while personnel, who wanted to avoid election duty in the recent polls, paid around Rs 7000.The bribes were handed over to the Commandant either through Momosana and Yainingkhomnganba or CID (security) Inspector SL Thangzapao Vaiphei, currently attached to SDRF.
Later, the police team visited SDRF office and seized several related documents.
A report of the raid, which began from 6.30 am to 7pm on May 31, was handed over to the state government.
Based on the report, DGP P Doungel issued an order initiating disciplinary action against Inspector SL Thangzapao Vaiphei and further suspended him.
5 IRB Commandant Amang Haokip also issued an order suspending Havildar RK Momosana, while MPTC director IGP RK Tutusana ordered suspension of Rifleman Sagolsem Yainingkhomnganba.
The state government also issued an order suspending SDRF commandant Jakiruddin (MPS).
The Vigilance PS has been instructed to investigate the matter further, Clay Khongsai further informed.
The press meet was also attended by SP Imphal East M Pradip, SP Imphal West Ksh Shivakanta and additional SP (Law & Order) Pramesh Arambam.