NEW DELHI, Sept 1 � Breaking its silence, former Arunachal chief minister Gegong Apang�s family has come to his rescue demanding handing over of the investigation of the multi-crore PDS scam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Addressing a press conference here today, former union minister of State, Omak Apang said they are preparing to move the Gauhati High Court in this regard. The High Court had constituted the Special Investigation Cell (SIC) to probe the scam in response to a PIL filed by Bamang Anthony and Domin Loya.
The scam had come to light in 2004, when largescale irregularities and corruption in the distribution of foodgrain in the State was detected.
The family, meanwhile, has rallied behind Apang, alleging that the probe smacked of political vendetta and conspiracy by a group loyal to Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu. �It is a political conspiracy hatched against my father by a group close to Khandu,� alleged Omak.
The beleaguered chief minister�s family members have been meeting AICC leaders and UPA Ministers seeking their support. Omak said they met AICC general secretary in-charge for the State V Narayan Swami, Oscar Fernandes, Digvijay Singh, Ahmed Patel among others rallying for support.
The AICC leaders conveyed that they are in discussion with the State leaders. The family has raised questions about the manner in which SIC team members were changed and list of accused amended.
When asked about the magnitude of the scam, Omak Apang sidetracked the question, pointing out that the State Budget used to below Rs 1000 crore, when his father was the chief minister. Arunachal Pradesh during his term was most financially well managed State. �We used to have surplus budget,� he claimed.
Omak claimed people and members of the civil society have now understood the game plan and have started coming out in support of Gegong Apang, who is currently in legal custody.
