‘Govt employee as supplier’

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, MAR 27: Former supporters of West Shillong legislator Paul Lyngdoh today alleged that a government employee was supplying materials worth Rs 74 lakh to the MLA which according to them was illegal.

As per an RTI filed with Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), it was revealed that materials to the tune of Rs 74 lakh were purchased from one Syiem’s Enterprise under the Special Urban Works Programme (SUWP).

Addressing a press conference here, Michael Pakyntein said while further trying to find out the owner of the Syiem’s Enterprise through contact numbers available in the cash memo, it was revealed that it belongs to a government employee.

“The employee is identified as Danny Olson Syiem, who is presently working as an LDA in the Directorate of Information and Public Relation (DIPR). We are surprised how a government servant can be a government approved supplier at the same time,” he said.

Rishan Nongsiej, while stating that it was against government service rules, said that they would soon lodge a complaint with the deputy commissioner and the DIPR director for necessary action against Syiem.

Moreover, he alleged that Syiem’s Enterprise, as per information from the Sales Tax Office, had failed to renew its registration since 2012. He said that as per the rules, in absence of valid documents, it is highly illegal to make such supplies.

“We have decided to file an FIR on the matter and if required will further consult legal experts,” he added.

Nongsiej further informed that a delegation would soon meet the chief secretary, who is heading the State Vigilance Commission, to speed up the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of public funds by the MLA.

Earlier, Pakyntein had filed an FIR with the Chief Vigilance Commissioner against the Shillong West sitting legislator Paul Lyngdoh for allegedly misappropriating over Rs 55.80 lakh public funds under the SUWP.

Lyngdoh, who also recently filed a counter FIR against Pakyntein and others, had also revealed that Pakyntein was a well-known criminal who is presently out on bail in a kidnapping case.

To a query, Nongsiej lambasted the attitude of the MLA for attacking on the history of the complainant instead of clarifying on the matter and said, “We are not perfect and we learn through our mistakes and become good citizens.”

Reiterating that their move was not politically motivated, he said the right to information and right to vote was something which nobody could interfere.

He also denied allegations made by Lyngdoh that they were used by his political opponent.

Pakyntein, however, refused to give any comment citing that his case is pending in court.