Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 06:
Taking the battle to the court yard of the Chief Minister in connection with the fraudulent withdrawal of over Rs 80 lakhs for 16 works which were never executed, Ukhrul district MLAs A Aza and Wungnaoshang Keishing today came out strongly against the CM and former Works Minister Gaikhangam for feigning ignorance over the issue.
This is nothing but an attempt to shield the guilty, they charged.
Talking to newsmen at the official residence of Keishing today, Aza said that over Rs 80 lakhs were withdrawn for 16 projects in Ukhrul, for which no work was ever executed.
The works were to be carried out under the PWD.
Aza said that they submitted a written complaint to the Chief Minister on October 4, highlighting the fraud.
The CM immediately called up former Works Minister Gaikhangam and inquired about the case, he said, but Gaikhangam said that he knew nothing about the matter.
It is hard to digest that the Chief Minister and the former Works Minister should feign ignorance when such a huge amount was withdrawn without any work being done, said the MLA.
The sum of Rs 80 lakhs was withdrawn in two phases from the SBI on December 17 last year, he said.
The cheque numbers are 828051 and 828052.The contractors who withdrew the money are Suresh Jain and Keba, said the MLA further.