The Enforcement Directorate on Monday said it recently conducted its first-ever search operations in West Garo Hills. The action is part of a case related to misappropriation of funds from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Tura, Meghalaya.
The ED identified the main accused as Boston Ch Marak, Ismail Marak, Kubon Sangma, and Nikseng Sangma. During the operation, five premises linked to these individuals were searched.
An ED official explained the modus operandi: “The method involved non-execution of developmental work in connivance with GHADC members, contractors, and brokers; diversion of funds in advance in violation of rules; and the subsequent return of the advanced amounts to GHADC members’ own or family bank accounts.
Out of a total allocation of Rs. 28.66 crore, members of the committee, in collusion with certain contractors, diverted and misused the funds contrary to established rules and procedures.”
Specific instances were noted where 60% of the sanctioned funds were illegitimately released as an advance to contractors Kubon Sangma and Nikseng Sangma, bypassing applicable rules. During the search, various incriminating documents, including records of investments in immovable properties and digital devices, were seized.
The investigation revealed that, on the instructions of Ismail Marak, multiple cheques were issued in the names of contractors Kubon Sangma and Nikseng Sangma. Kubon Sangma withdrew the entire amount and handed it over to Ismail Marak, while Nikseng Sangma transferred his share directly to a designated bank account.
The contractors have admitted to withdrawing the funds from banks and either transferring them to the accused members or their family members, confirming the diversion of GHADC development funds earmarked for the Asanang constituency.
Furthermore, several bank accounts belonging to the accused and their family members have been frozen under Section 17(1A) of the PMLA, 2002, during the search.
Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.