Lok Ayukta remands two in MSPDCL case
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 31 2022:
The Lok Ayukta has remanded two officials (one retired) of the MSPDCL to seven days police remand in connection with a case pertaining to the process of awarding contract works for construction of 2 MVA 33/11 KV Sub-Station at Chakpikarong along with associated 33 KV Line (45 Kms) and related civil works on turn key basis under NLCPR covering a total amount of Rs 9,45,80,606 from December 2009 to December 2015 .
The two were arrested yesterday morning by the IO of the case IPS officer Shrey Vats on the basis of a complaint filed by one Thiyam Norish Singh who alleged that the then Manipur Power Department, now MSPDCL, and M/s Shyama Power (India) Gurgaon intentionally and wilfully tried to mislead the public in connection with the mentioned work.
The two accused, Aribam Rajendra (63) the then AE of Lokchao Sub-Station and now serving as DGM/Transmission division number III and Okram Yaiskul the then SO Transmission construction division number 1 now retired, were produced before the Court of the Special Judge (Lok Ayukta) along with a prayer for seven days police remand.
On the other hand a joint application was filed to release the two accused on bail.
The IO of the case submitted that the two accused were involved in the embezzlement funds meant for the projects and added they were arrested yesterday.
The IO further submitted that the accused could not give any justification and they were not co-operating with the investigation of the case and further interrogation is required and prayed for seven days police remand.
The defence on the other hand argued that the no offence has been made out against the two accused and they are innocent of the allegations.
The defence counsel further submitted that an interim anticipatory bail has been granted to some of the co-accused persons and thus their detention is not required.
The counsel also assured that they will abide by any conditions imposed by the Court.
After hearing both parties and on perusing the material on record the Court remanded both to police custody for seven days till April 6.Significantly on February 7 this year, Justice T Nandakumar Chairman and Ameising Luikham Member Manipur Lok Ayukta directed the DGP to register a case at the Crime Branch against 12 accused in the case.
The Court also directed the IO of the case Shrey Vats to complete the investigation of the case within six months from the date of registration of the case at the Crime Branch Police Station.