Tura, May 24: In a historic and significant milestone in the Lokayukta’s existence in the State, the Meghalaya Lokayukta has charge-sheeted former Asanang constituency’s MDC, Ismail Marak, and former GHADC CEM, Boston R. Marak, along with 11 other former MDCs, staff and contractors of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in a corruption case.
Ismail Marak is also a former MLA of Rongram before delimitation of the constituency.
In his order dated May 18, 2023, Chairperson of Meghalaya Lokayukta, B. Dhar, ordered the Director of Prosecution to submit the case records to the Public Prosecutor of West Garo Hills, Tura to initiate prosecution in a Special Court of West Garo Hills, Tura against the 13 people who have been charge-sheeted under section 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended).
The case relates to a complaint filed by Nilberth Ch. Marak from Dawa Gittingre, East Garo Hills District, in the court of Lokayukta on May 2, 2019 against Ismail Marak, ex-MDC of Asanang, for alleged misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs. 1 crore for various projects in the Asanang Constituency. According to the complainant, a total of 49 projects were allocated to Asanang Constituency; however, these projects were poorly implemented, raising suspicions of corruption.
Following a preliminary enquiry, the Lokayukta found a prima facie case against Ismail Marak, and several others involved. Consequently, on July 24, 2019, the Lokayukta ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) enquiry into the matter. However, this order was subsequently challenged in the Meghalaya High Court through a writ petition (No. 293 of 2019).
After a prolonged legal battle, the Division Bench of the Meghalaya High Court disposed of the case on April 6, 2021, remanding it back to the Court of Lokayukta. On February 18, 2022, the Meghalaya Lokayukta directed the Director General of Police, Meghalaya, to investigate the case under Section 20(5) of the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2014, and submit a report along with a charge sheet.
The investigation officer faced difficulties and unavoidable circumstances, which resulted in significant delays. Nevertheless, after a year of dedicated efforts, the investigation was concluded, and on May 18, 2023, the detailed investigation report was submitted to the Court of Lokayukta. Based on the findings, the Lokayukta ordered the Director of Prosecution to submit the case to the Public Prosecutor of West Garo Hills, Tura, and initiate prosecution in the Special Court of West Garo Hills.
Following the Lokayukta’s order on May 18, 2023, the Director of Prosecution promptly submitted the case records to the Public Prosecutor of West Garo Hills, Tura, as well as the Special Court of West Garo Hills, Tura to initiate prosecution.
The charge-sheeted persons are:
1. Boston R. Marak, former CEM, GHADC
2. Mark Goera B Marak, former EM of GHADC from Batabari constituency
3. Winnison Ch. Marak, former Dy CEM of GHADC from Rongrikimgre constituency
4. Jimbirth R Marak, former EM of GHADC from Amongpara constituency
5. Levastone T. Sangma, former EM of GHADC, Jenjal constituency
6. Righteous N Sangma, former EM of GHADC, Babellapara constituency
7. Rupert M. Sangma, former EM of GHADC, Tura constituency
8. Kenedick S Marak, Former EM of GHADC, Siju constituency
9. Dhormonath Ch. Sangma, former EM of GHADC, Naguapara constituency
10. Ismail Marak, former MDC in GHADC, Asanang constituency
11. Kubon Sangma, Contractor
12. Nikseng Sangma, Contractor
13. Hewingson A Sangma, Secretary, GHADC
