MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS: CBI files chargesheet against four

Jalandhar, December 17 2012: The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet before the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Guwahati (Assam) against four accused viz, the then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), North Cachar Hills Division, now Silviculturist (Govt. of Assam), Basistha, Guwahati; the then Chief Executive Member (CEM), Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (erstwhile North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council), Haflong, Assam (now Member only) and two private persons.

 The case was registered on 21.01.2011 on the request of Assam Government.

After thorough investigation, the chargesheet was filed against the four accused persons by CBI U/s 120 B, 409 IPC and Section 13 (2) R/w 13 (1) (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 for allegedly misappropriating fund of about Rs.5.49 crores released by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) towards Compensatory Afforestation, Timple/Poles Operation etc  for the affected Forest Areas in the construction of 4-Laning National Highway 54, without implementing any schemes for which the fund was released. A loss of about Rs.5.49 crores was caused to the Govt of Assam.

The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it.  Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.