A major financial scandal has rocked Arunachal Pradesh's ambitious Frontier Highway project, with authorities uncovering alleged irregularities totaling a staggering ₹130 crore. The East Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (EACCI) has blown the whistle on what appears to be a sophisticated scam involving fraudulent payments and non-existent companies.
Special Investigation Team Takes Charge
In response to the serious allegations, the state government has constituted a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe. The team comprises senior officials from multiple departments, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to uncovering the truth.
The Anatomy of the Scam
According to preliminary findings, the fraudulent activities involved:
- Payments made to companies that either don't exist or were never involved in the project
- Fabricated documentation and forged approval papers
- Multiple transactions routed through shell companies
- Alleged collusion between contractors and officials
Project Significance and Impact
The Frontier Highway is one of Arunachal Pradesh's most critical infrastructure initiatives, designed to enhance connectivity in remote border areas and boost economic development in the northeastern region. The alleged scam not represents significant financial loss but also threatens to delay this strategically important project.
Official Response and Next Steps
Government officials have assured that the investigation will be comprehensive and transparent. The SIT has been given a strict timeline to submit its findings, and authorities have promised stringent action against anyone found guilty, regardless of their position or influence.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in monitoring large-scale infrastructure projects and underscores the need for stronger financial oversight mechanisms in public works departments across India.
