SHILLONG, Jan 11 - The Meghalaya Lokayukta has directed the CBI to investigate an alleged racket involved in collection of bribes from vehicles carrying goods to Bangladesh at the check-gates in East Jaintia Hills.
There are allegations about involvement of government officials in the racket. Lokayukta Chairperson PK Musahary directed the CBI SP to make an inquiry into the allegations and submit a report within 15 days.
A petition filed before the Lokayukta made allegation of rampant corruption at the check-gates in East Jaintia Hills district, besides involvement of officials of the mining, transport, supply and other departments in the racket.
The petition further alleged that the police, too, are involved and these officials together have formed a network to collect bribes from trucks transporting betel nuts, boulders, coal and other items to Bangladesh by flouting the Central and State tax norms.
The petitioner said that he has details of those involved in the crime, and sought the assistance of the Lokayukta to end this illegality which, according to him, is causing a loss of around Rs 1,000 crore to the State exchequer annually.
Based on the petition, the Chairperson directed Chief Secretary MS Rao to take action against those involved in the alleged racket. Musahary also directed the Chief Secretary to immediately transfer all officials who have been named by the petitioner, alleging their involvement in the racket.
�The Chief Secretary is further directed to take effective measures to protect the bona fide businessmen from harassment by unscrupulous officials and racketeers,� the Lokayukta said.
Musahary said that a case should be registered in accordance with the provisions of the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2014 and show-cause notices be issued to those involved in the racket after the preliminary report is received.