Govt to examine Lokayukta advice for CBI inquiry into coal scam

“The government has not received a letter or any kind of communication so we will see when that comes in we will examine…and then take a call,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters on Thursday.

On Thursday, the anti-graft panel has asked the state government to recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to find out the “mastermind” of the illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state.

Seeking for his further comment on this regard, Sangma however said, “I don’t know what they are referring to so really once I see the report only then will I be able to say anything (on this matter).”

Disposing of a petition filed by the Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma, the Lokayukta in its order said that the state government has no doubt indicated the action already taken by it and their action plan, but it is quite doubtful if they would yield the desired result.

“There should be an inquiry to find out the mastermind of the illegal mining and transportation of coal. This could be unearthed only by an independent inquiry by a Central Organization like CBI,” it asserted.

The Leader of Opposition has alleged that illegal coal mining is still taking place in violation of MMDR Act, 1957 and the complete violation of the NGT ban.

Sangma had also alleged that 1,41,000 MT of coal at Khliehrangnah have disappeared and must have been illegally lifted and transported resulting in serious loss of government revenue.

The panel however said that it had earlier passed some order for CBI inquiry but the same is under challenge in the Meghalaya High Court.

“Having no scope for ordering CBI inquiry, it is felt proper to advise the state government to recommend CBI inquiry from their end,” it said.

The Lokayukta further stated it is to everybody’s knowledge that the racket is being run by some powerful syndicate against whom no individual citizen could come forward to lodge a complaint revealing their identities.

By Our Reporter