CID TO PROBE ASSAM COAL SYNDICATE

The Assam government has announced a CID enquiry into an alleged coal syndicate operating in the state. Making the announcement during the Question Hour in the state Legislative Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, replying on behalf of the Home minister, said the government was determined to root out corruption and there will be no compromise on this issue. He informed the House that 184 corruption-related arrests have been made since the current BJP-led state government assumed power on May 24, 2016, including the arrests in the ‘cash-for-job’ scam of Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). Patowary added that the President has given prosecution sanction incarcerated APSC then-chairman Rakesh Paul and chargesheet in the case will be submitted soon.

Ruling alliance partner Asom Gana Parishad MLA Phani Bhusan Choudhury, who had brought the question on the government’s steps against corruption, pointed that many accused have been able to procure bail and charge-sheets were yet to be submitted.