Though the summer temperature is yet to rise to the sweltering levels, much heat is now being generated in Arunachal Pradesh over the Trans-Arunachal Highway compensation controversy.  The police had already arrested former Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Kemo Lollen, Land Revenue and Settlement Officer Bharat Ligu and a businessman Likha Maj after the state government had ordered Special Investigation Team (SIT) to crack the case involving compensation disbursal for Joram to Koloriang, a 30km stretch in Lower Subansiri district, worth Rs 40 crore. It was sanctioned by the Centre through the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. According to the SIT, detailed project report submitted by Lollen and “the modus operandi of defrauding the government exchequer also involved fake and non-existent persons”.

This issue was raised by many NGOs and other civil organisations. Unsatisfied with the SIT probe, there has been a clamour for a CBI probe. The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee had carried out a survey of the area on July 1 and based on their findings it alleged that one of the genuinely affected persons was entitled to receive around Rs 34 lakh under the DPR. Instead, he was offered half the amount. Another person who was entitled to receive around Rs. 20 lakh was instead offered Rs. 7,000. So is the case with many others. These persons all refused to accept the compensation. However, the APCC pointed out that one MLA’s wife  who was entitled to receive around Rs. 82.77 lakh was offered Rs. 20,000 higher than her entitled amount.

Thus there is a clear and present scam in the land compensation issue. The instant case involves only a 30 km stretch. When taken into account the total length of the highway 2407 kms, one can imagine how mind-boggling the scam will be. The BJP government led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu wants to provide a corruption-free government. But such scams are a blot on his reputation especially when taken into account that next year will be an election year. Thus it is imperative that he orders a CBI probe to allay the fears of the people and safeguard his clean image.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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