The Meghalaya government has welcomed the decision of the Lokayukta to direct Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate into the alleged illegal transportation of coal from the state.
“There is no question of government being not happy with the inquiry as the matter about illegal transportation of coal is being discussed and talked about since 2014 till date. We welcome the inquiry and it is good that people will know the truth,” Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said.
He also assured that the government will cooperate with the CBI once they start investigating into the mater.
Recently, Lokayukta Chairperson PK Musahary had directed the CBI to investigate into the alleged transportation of coal, boulders and betel nuts in the state.
Based on the complaint filed by a border resident Abhijit Basumatary against the Superintendent of Police, Khliehriat and others, State Lokayukta Chairperson PK Musahary directed Chief Secretary MS Rao to effect an immediate transfer of officials under different departments whose names find place in the list furnished by the petitioner within 10 days to facilitate uninterrupted inquiry by the CBI.
Media reports had also named Suraj Joshi, Special Assistant to Home Minister James Sangma, Secretary, Mining and Geology department, the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills among others in the alleged scandal.
“Having considered the alleged involvement of some high ranking civil and police officials and also taking into account the fact that this Lokayukta at present is not having an enquiry wing of its own, I deem it fit and proper to get the matter enquired by an independent agency like the CBI and get the preliminary report at the earliest to proceed further,” Musahary said in his order issued on January 9.
The Lokayukta also ordered the chief secretary to submit an action taken report within 15 days.
The Lokayukta also registered a case and decided to proceed in accordance with the provisions under the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2014.
