DIMAPUR, JULY 3 (MExN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland today termed the alleged fuel adulteration racket in the state as a “conspiracy which has been going on for the last 15 to 20 years.”
A press note from the ACAUT alleged that the “conspirators - fuel adulterators, landlords, NPGs, administrative officials, F&CS department, police and the politicians have all gained enormous wealth at the cost of the common man.”
It reminded that the “public is not only depending on the courts for full jail term for the suspects but attachment of their properties as well and it shall be truly unfortunate if the public loses faith in the judiciary.” The ACAUT further listed out fuel outlets “of some of the fuel adulterators for action to be taken by the concerned public and authorities especially in the districts since these outlets sell adulterated fuel.”
It alleged that “most of these outlets are ‘benami’ properties of the named adulterators, that is, registered in Naga names.” “The fuel mafia unfairly avail the license underST/educated unemployed/Widow category as per the criteria for entitlement and misuse it. Most of the namesake Naga owners get commissions ranging from 40,000 to 1Lakh per month,” the ACAUT added.
Alleging that the outlets have been misused and misappropriated for “criminal activities,” it asked the Nagaland State Government and the district administrations to “immediately seal and cancel the permits of these outlets.” For starters, it asked the Dimapur administration and police to lead by example if the other districts are to follow suit.
The ACAUT, in its press statement listed out 4 names who it alleged were involved in fuel adulteration and also listed out the fuel outlets allegedly selling adulterated fuel.
“The ACAUT has also in its possession list of properties of all the fuel adulterators which it will hand over to the State Government if and when it decides to attach the properties of all the adulterators,” it informed.
