- The Supreme Court has ordered a CBI probe into alleged contract allocations linked to Arunachal CM Pema Khandu's family.
- The plea cites conflict of interest in contracts worth Rs 1,270 crore awarded over a decade.
- The CBI will investigate all related deals and submit a report within 16
The Supreme Court on Monday, April 6, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a preliminary enquiry within two weeks into the award of contracts for public works in Arunachal Pradesh to firms allegedly owned by family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu's family, according to NDTV.
The top court has asked the state to fully cooperate with the CBI and asked the Chief Secretary, the state's top official, to designate a nodal officer for coordination with the central investigation agency. The preliminary enquiry will cover the execution for public works, contracts and work orders between January 2015-December 2025. The state shall ensure no record is destroyed, the top court said.
Also, the CBI has been asked to file a status report before the top court within 16 weeks.
ALSO READ: Nykaa In Talks For Majority Stake In 82 E: Can It Revive Deepika Padukone's Skincare Bet?
A three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath concluded the hearing today, allowing all parties two weeks to submit written arguments before the court reserves its ruling.
A petition filed by NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena alleges a conflict of interest, claiming that four firms associated with the Chief Minister's family were granted contracts worth Rs 1,270 crore over the past ten years, with an additional Rs 25 crore issued as work orders.
In its defence, the Arunachal Pradesh government dismissed the plea, terming it ‘sponsored litigation'. Defence counsel argued that the awarding of contracts followed all standard protocols, reported NDTV.
As per the ruling, the CBI is authorized to examine any other related deals, even if they occurred outside the specified timeframe. On December 2 last year, the top court asked the Arunachal Pradesh government to file a comprehensive affidavit giving details of the contracts awarded from 2015 to 2025, including those to firms of family members of the Chief Minister.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
