EE released on health ground
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 07 2019: Thounaojam Ranjit, Executive Engineer of Public Works Department Bishnupur Division, was released on health ground after furnishing a PR bond of Rs 1 lakh with one surety of the same amount, by the Special Judge, Prevention of Corruption, Imphal.

Ranjit was produced before the Court today following completion of 3 days remand in Vigilance and Anti Corruption Police Station, along with a prayer for remanding him into judicial custody till September 22 on the alleged charges that in his capacity as the EE of PWD Bishnupur Division, he had released, encashed and paid Rs 3,49,67,100 to special con-tractor(s) against 8 works orders during the financial year 2017 - 2018 and even though the works were found to have been execu-ted in half-hearted manner.

During the hearing, the Special PP submitted that while in police custody, Ranjit admitted to the charges levelled against him and it was revealed that the said work orders were executed by some workers of an MLA.

It was also revealed that the MBs were prepared after the works were actually executed and the funds were issued without ensuing the quality and standard of the works.

The Special PP submitted that relevant documents such as MBs, cash book, cheque issue register, bill register could not be seized as the same are in the possession of Ranjit.

The IO of the case clarified that when he went to the office to seize the said documents, the officials of PWD Bishnupur including the Division SOs, AE and accountants were all found to be on leave.

On the other hand, Ranjit's defense counsel filed a remand objection along with an application for releasing him on bail.

The counsel submitted that the allegations levelled against Ranjit are all concocted and false.

The Defense counsel further submitted that the work orders were already issued prior to Ranjit's posting for the purpose of State Sangai Festival 2017 and the bills were cleared for the completed works.

There are no lapses on the part of Ranjit as all the due procedures were carried out as per the rules.

Ranjit is 59 years old and is going to retire from his service in the month of December this year and as such there will be no room for hampering or tempering in the investigation, the defense counsel explained.

The defense counsel explained that Ranjit is suffering from cardiac arrhythmia, cervical spondylosis, Ischemic heart disease, intero external piles, neck pain and pain in cervical spine and has been under medication, and submitted relevant medical documents before the Court.

After hearing the submission of both parties and on going through the material on record, the Court allowed Ranjit to go on bail after furnishing Rs 1 lakh PR bond with one surety of the same amount.

Comment