In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched coordinated search operations at multiple locations in Meghalaya on Thursday. The raids are part of a money laundering investigation into the alleged large-scale misappropriation of funds meant for development works in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
First Major Action from Shillong Office
This marks the maiden investigative action undertaken by the federal agency's sub-zonal office located in Shillong. The office had recently registered a case under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), paving the way for these searches. While the ED has conducted operations in the state before, those were linked to cases registered from other states.
Official sources confirmed that at least five premises in Tura, under the West Garo Hills district, were covered during the search operation. The focus of the probe is squarely on the alleged non-execution of developmental projects and the subsequent siphoning of public money.
The Core of the ₹28.66 Crore Scam
According to the ED's findings, the investigation revolves around funds allocated for the development of the Asanang constituency under the GHADC. Officials allege that a total allocation of ₹28.66 crore was systematically diverted and misused.
The agency claims that members of the relevant committee, in collusion with certain contractors, flouted established rules and procedures to illegally channel the money. A specific modus operandi has been identified where advance payments were made in violation of norms.
Questionable Advances to Contractors
In a glaring irregularity, the ED noted instances where 60 per cent of the sanctioned funds were released as advance to contractors named Kubon Sangma and Nikseng Sangma. This release was contrary to applicable financial rules and provisions governing such contracts.
The money trail, as uncovered by the probe agency, reveals a direct link to an individual named Ismail Marak. Acting under Marak's directions, multiple cheques were issued in the names of the two contractors. Subsequently, Kubon Sangma withdrew the entire amount and handed it over to Ismail Marak. Similarly, Nikseng Sangma transferred his share directly to a bank account as per Marak's instructions.
The raids are expected to gather further documentary and digital evidence to solidify the case of money laundering against the accused. This action underscores the central agency's expanding focus on alleged financial irregularities in autonomous district councils across the northeastern region.
