FIR against former KHADC secretary

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, MAR 27: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) today asked the executive committee to come back with a report on the alleged misappropriation of funds in the next session after an FIR was lodged against former Secretary W Syiemlieh.

The direction came after a debate on the report of the House Committee probing into the alleged financial irregularities in the Council tabled by the KHADC chief Pynshngain N Syiem during a Special Session convened here.

“The House has agreed to endorse the matter to the executive committee which will accordingly place a report in the next session,” Council Chairman LG Nongsiej announced while adjourning the House sine die.

The findings of the House Committee headed by Opposition Leader Manstudy Nongrem had revealed that all “major transactions” were done by Syiemlieh at the direction of the CEM and EM in-charge Finance Neil Antonio War.

Earlier during the discussion, United Democratic Party (UDP) MDC Hispreaching Son Shylla termed the report as “inconclusive” since investigation against the involvement of the CEM and EM is still pending by the House Committee.

He was of the opinion that there is a need to extend the term of the House Committee for another one week.

The former KHADC chief also demanded the CEM and EM to step down to ensure free and fair investigation into the matter as he objected the decision to endorse the matter to the EC citing how can accused allowed to be judged on the matter.

HSPDP leader Teilinia Thangkhiew, who was also a member of the House Committee, lambasted the present EC for its alleged failure to detect and prevent such irregularities.

Earlier while tabling the report in the House, KHADC chief PN Syiem informed that the FIR against the former EC secretary Welljune Syiemlieh was filed (March 25) based on the direction of the Governor.

“I was summoned by the Governor (March 16) and based on his direction, the action was taken as per recommendation of first inquiry report of the two-member Inquiry Committee headed by Judge of District Council Court,” he said.

However, Shylla questioned the failure and delay of the EC to file the FIR from January 27 when the first inquiry report was submitted till February 22, when the House decided to constitute the House Committee on the matter.

“He (CEM) should have filed the FIR before the House Committee was constituted. The failure only indicated the fear that if Syiemlieh is arrested, the CEM and others will also be affected,” the UDP Nongkrem MDC alleged.

He also charged the CEM for undermining the House by filing the FIR against the former secretary before convening the Special Session while referring to a recent High Court order dismissing the PIL filed by Solomon Soh on the matter.

Quoting the High Court order, Shylla said that Court had decided not to interfere on ground that the matter was referred to the House Committee adding the CEM had failed to inform the Governor on this new development.

According to him, the report of the House Committee should have been deliberated first and then the House in Session will decide on the next course of action, which the Court had also taken into consideration.

“By filing the FIR before the Special Session it only indicated that the CEM is doing the right thing at the wrong time,” Shylla said as he alleged that this shows that the two leaders both from the national parties (Congress & BJP) are trying to bulldoze the weak (officials).

Referring to the written statement of Syiemlieh indicated he had acted based on “verbal instructions”, he said, “He (former secretary) was used as a tool and now they regarded him as a fool. This is also a lesson for all not to listen to verbal orders otherwise instead of getting pension they will only get tension.”

Suggesting on the need for them to step down, Shylla said, “I will not demand but let their conscience tell them and if not let the Governor take action accordingly.”

The former KHADC chief also informed the House that he is also planning to come up with a book entitled – “Please Arrange” which reflects the involvement of the two political masters adding the name of Welljune will be changed to “Welldone”.

Replying to this, Syiem claimed that the executive committee has taken a right decision by filing the FIR.

“It is the prerogative of the CEM to direct and it is the duty of the officer concerned to regulate instruction as per rules and procedures,” the CEM said while there are no receipts to indicate that the amount is being enjoyed by him or the EM.

Stating that his EC is determined to improve the functioning of the KHADC, Syiem said that the incident will be a lesson and the Council will soon constitute an Administration and Finance Reform Committee.

The House Committee was constituted to further probe into the matter related to the illegal transfer of Council’s fund to private bank accounts.