Three remanded
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 29 2022: The Special Judge, Prevention of Corruption Act Imphal East today remanded three persons including a Gram Panchayat ward Member to judicial custody for allegedly possessing bogus and multiple job cards of MGNREGS.

The accused Koijam Sundar Singh, s/o Ibocha of Sawombung Thongkhong, Kamei Gaidonchung s/o Kamei Monthaga of Sawombung Kabui Khunjao and Laishram Meeteingamba Meetei, s/o Laishram Shyam Meetei of Yourabung Khunou, Sawombung were produced before the Court today after completion of police custody period along with a prayer for judicial remand till May 13 by a team of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Police Station.

Notably, Koijam Sundar is the ward Member of 2/4/1 Sawombung while Kamei Gaidonchung and Laishram Meeteingamba are the husbands of Ward Members of No.2/4/2 of Sawombung Village No.1 and No.2/4/4 of Sawombung Village No.2 respectively.

Meanwhile, a joint application was filed by the accused persons praying for releasing them on bail by objecting the remand prayer of the prosecution.

The Court heard the Special PP as well as the defence counsel of the accused persons and also perused the materials on record.

The Special PP submitted that the three accused persons created multiple bogus MGNREGS job cards which were linked to multiple bank accounts.

The bank accounts were operated and managed by the accused persons and the wages credited in the bank accounts were utilized by them for their own benefits.

The Special PP further submitted that during the police custody remand period, relevant files/documents and some of the bogus cards were seized showing prima facie case against the accused persons.

It was also submitted that the MGNREGS job cards are meant for poor and needy citizens but the accused persons abusing either their official powers or abetting the officials concerned obtained illegal money.

The Special PP asserted that detention of the accused persons is necessary in order to enable the IO to investigate the case properly giving a free hand.

On the other hand, the defence counsel submitted that all the accused persons are innocent and have falsely been implicated in the case.

It was also submitted that as the IO is seeking judicial custody remand, not further interrogation of the accused persons, and the accused persons being persons deeply rooted in the society, shall co-operate with the investigating authority in the event of being released on bail.

The defence counsel said that the wife of Koijam Sundar has been suffering from prolonged paralysis while Kamei Gaidonchung has been suffering from acute gout arthritis and the wife of Laishram Meeteingamba is pregnant and under strict medical care and attention.

The defence counsel prayed the Court that all the three accused persons may be granted bail on these grounds.

The Court, after hearing the submissions of all the parties and on perusal of materials on record, observed that the present FIR case has been registered as a result of vigilance enquiry.

The Court also observed that the accused Koijam Sunder is a Ward Member and the other accused persons are spouses of Members and there are sufficient materials to presume abuse of their positions as well as commission of offences at the present stage.

Opining that the accusation levelled against the three accused persons are well founded, the Court remanded them to judicial custody till May 13, and turned down the bail application.

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