IMPHAL, Sept 2 - An FIR has been registered against former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, three former Chief Secretaries, former director of Manipur Development Society (MDS) and another MDS official, in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the functioning of the MDS.
The three former Chief Secretaries are DS Poonia, P C Lawmkunga and O Nabakishore Singh while the former project director of MDS was Y Ningthem Singh and administrative officer of MDS S Ranjit Singh, according to reports.
While Poonia and Lawmkunga are already retired, Nabakishore is now Director General of State Academy of Training in Imphal.
Reports said the FIR was registered at Imphal Police station on Friday after Joint Secretary Dr Th Muhindro Singh of State Planning department lodged a complaint to SP Imphal West district police, to register an FIR for investigation following the findings of an inquiry conducted by State Vigilance Commission into alleged financial irregularities in the MDS. The total liabilities to MDS are Rs 185.79 crore.
The said persons were charged with �cheating, criminal conspiracy and breach of trust,� according to the FIR which was registered under various sections of Indian Penal Code Liabilities Act 1998.
Vigilance Commission report named Ibobi and the others, stating that they are required for examination for the investigation into financial irregularities in the MDS, sources said.
Being the then chairman of MDS from July 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014, former Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh is required to be examined and recording of his statement is required, according to reports. Besides, all the three former Chief Secretaries were chairman of the MDS by virtue of their post of chief secretary.
Former Chief Minister Ibobi could not be contacted for his comment as he is out of station.
PTI adds: Ibobi Singh of the Congress was the Chief Minister of Manipur from 2002 to March 2017.
In November last year, the State Planning Department had approached the Vigilance department to conduct an enquiry into the alleged financial irregularities in MDS.
It was alleged that �officials and staff of MDS had not observed prescribed procedures, establishment�s norms and extant rules� including �measurement books, detailed project reports and utilisation certification.�
Meanwhile, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson AK Ranjit said only after the conclusion of the investigation on graft charges, their authenticity should be determined. The Congress �welcomes the investigation process,� he added.
