Will other public representatives in Meghalaya who allegedly interfered with the recruitment of school teachers in the state during 2008-2009 be also booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?
This question is being raised after the CBI had registered FIR against Meghalaya labour minister (then education minister), Ampareen Lyngdoh in connection with alleged scam in the appointment of school teachers in the state.
On Wednesday, the CBI registered the FIR under sections 120B, 167, 466, 408 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy, public servant framing incorrect documents with intent to cause injury, forgery of record of court or of public register, criminal breach of trust of clerk or servant, and acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.
The CBI also registered the case against Meghalaya additional chief secretary, PS Thangkhiew, who is looking after Home (civil defence and home guards) department, besides the directorate of elementary and mass education and unknown persons.
The teachers’ recruitment was conducted in 15 centres across the state when Lyngdoh was the education minister, and Thangkhiew was the principal secretary (education).
The CBI registered the FIR on the order of the Meghalaya high court passed on November 2, 2017, that directed the CBI to take over the investigation of the Laitumkhrah police station case No. 62 (7) of 2011 relating to alleged mass manipulations, tampering in the score sheets and interference in the selection for the post of assistant teachers in lower primary schools during 2008-2009.
In its judgment, the division bench of the high court had annulled the entire selection process conducted in five centres because of largescale irregularities, and ordered a fresh CBI inquiry into the selection process in another 10 centres. It asked the CBI to submit its report to the chief secretary within six months.
Few years ago, the CBI had conducted inquiry in five centres – Shillong, Jowai, Amlarem, Tura and Dadenggre, and found grave anomalies in the selection process.
The CBI in its report had named Ampareen Lyngdoh and other public representatives who had also recommended their own set of candidates to be appointed as teachers.
The other politicians found to have recommended their own candidates include, present deputy chief minister, R.C. Laloo (37 candidates), Mawkynrew MLA, Remington Pyngrope (47), former minister and Nartiang MLA, Sniawbhalang Dhar (37), Raksamkre MLA, Limison D. Sangma (34), former minister and Pynursla MLA, Prestone Tynsong (20), urban affairs minister (Mylliem MLA), Ronnie V. Lyngdoh (15), former minister and Pynthorumkhrah MLA, A.L. Hek (7), South Shillong MLA, Sanbor Shullai (3), former MLA, R.L. Tariang (29), former MLA, J.A. Lyngdoh (6), former Assembly Speaker, Charles Pyngrope (3), former MLA, Donkupar Massar (2), member of district council, M. Pariat (11), former MLA, L. Malngiang (4), and F.War, adviser to former chief minister (3).