Activist alleges irregularities into Laitumkhrah Market project, demands CBI probe

RTI activist Napoleon S Mawphniang has petitioned Governor CH Vijayashankar and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged financial irregularities in the Laitumkhrah Municipal Market redevelopment project.

Mawphniang lodged a complaint with Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, who is also the Chief Vigilance Commissioner, for a CBI probe alleging financial irregularities, procedural violations, conflict of interest, and environmental non-compliance of the project. He said on Sunday that documents obtained through RTI applications revealed a disturbing pattern of corruption and mismanagement that resulted in a 36.8% increase in project costs and a delay of over four years.

He said a CBI probe is imperative for a comprehensive forensic audit of all financial transactions. He called for an assessment of structural safety of the project by an expert committee and recovery of excess payments made to the contractors.