Corruption slur on former Mizoram PSU honcho

Aizawl, 16 May (UNI): Former chairman of the now-defunct Mizoram Agriculture Marketing corporation (MAMC) has been arrested in connection with misappropriation of more than Rs 260 lakh.

Following a complaint submitted by Mamco employees in December last year, the Anti Corruption Bureau arrested Lalremthanga a few days ago, and he is now in judicial custody. Lalremthanga, who was deputy manager of Mamco and taking managing director’s charge during 2010-14, allegedly siphoned off around Rs 268 lakh, meant for establishment of Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools in Mizoram.

Mamco was made a nodal agency to implement the HRD ministry-funded projects. Mamco is one of the three PSUs that Mizoram government has recently abolished due to heavy losses incurred by them.

According to the complaint, Lalremthanga illegally took about Rs 268 lakhs from prospective contractors and suppliers for establishment of KVS in two places. As per the agreement between Mamco and KVS, the former would receive 7 per cent of the estimated amount as agency charge. The amount Lalremthanga allegedly took from the contractors and suppliers was not deposited into the Mamco’s bank account, but instead into the account of his alleged accomplice named Mustagar Rahman.

After they were awarded the contract, the contractors and suppliers made a complaint to the Mamco asking for refund of the money they had given to the managing director. After investigation, the ACB found that Lalremthanga has taken money from seven contractors/suppliers.

The ACB has also questioned these contractors and suppliers, and is gathering more evidences.The accused will appear before the Special Judge under Prevention of Corruption Act on May 26 next.

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