The Congress played an audio tape on Tuesday, claiming that it was a proof linking Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju to alleged corruption and fraud in Arunachal Pradesh.
“Kiren Rijiju’s role in this issue is under a cloud of suspicion. So he should be sacked or asked to resign till a probe is complete,” said Congress.
Verma’s report was sent to the CBI, CVC and the Ministry of Power in July this year. It alleges an “elaborate conspiracy” involving contractors, NEEPCO officials and the West Kameng district administration to defraud NEEPCO and the government of funds
Rijiju rejected allegations of wrongdoing and said those who have “planted” the story against him “will be beaten up with shoes”. “I have written the letter to the Power Minister after I received presentations from some people in my constituency in Arunachal West regarding pending bills. I have done no wrong and there is no corruption,” Rijiju said.
Kameng Hydro Electric Project site
The reports claimed that Rijiju, his cousin, a contractor in Arunachal Pradesh, Goboi Rijiju, and several top officials of the state-run NEEPCO, including its Chairman and Managing Director, have been named in a 129-page report by the PSU’s Chief Vigilance Officer Satish Verma that alleges corruption in construction of two dams for 600 MW Kameng Hydro Electric Project, one of the biggest hydro-electric projects in Arunachal Pradesh. NEEPCO comes under the Union Power Ministry.
Verma’s report was sent to the CBI, CVC and the Ministry of Power in July this year. It alleges an “elaborate conspiracy” involving contractors, NEEPCO officials and the West Kameng district administration to defraud NEEPCO and the government of funds that “may extend up to Rs 450 crore.
The CBI has made two “surprise checks” but no FIR has been registered yet, reports said.
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