Steps to be determined by the ‘merit of the case’
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 10
As the Income Tax raids on assets owned by a former Nagaland Police officer make headlines, information remained vague as regards the raids reported to have been carried out in Nagaland. A number of raids were also carried out by IT officials in Dimapur and Kohima.
One of the raids occurred as early as June 6 with official sources in Kohima stating it took place at a house in the Chandmari locality. The sources said that IT officials conducted search at the house said to be a private residence of MKR Pillai, a retired officer of the Nagaland Police.
The house was reportedly without any occupant at the time, the sources said, while adding that the IT officials “sealed two almiras” as the raid concluded.
Similar raids were reported to have taken place in the subsequent days at undisclosed locations in Dimapur. IT officials could not be contacted on Saturday to corroborate the reports.
With regard to the relation of the Nagaland Police to the man at the epicentre of the IT raids, the Nagaland Police chief maintained the association is confined to “consultancy” services.
DGP LL Doungel, when contacted on Saturday stated that Pillai’s present association with the Nagaland Police is in the capacity of a consultant. “He is not in the payroll as an employee of the Nagaland Police. We are employing him as a consultant on issues relating to (Police) Modernisation,” said Doungel.
In the aftermath of the allegations, when asked on the steps the Nagaland Police would take, Doungel said, it will depend on the “merit of the case.” Pillai, Doungel added, is currently on leave and is expected to return next week to Nagaland.
A DNA report citing the Intelligence and Criminal Investigation wings of the IT, Kochi, Kerala that investigation brought to light unaccounted wealth worth Rs 400 crore from a business group owned by Pillai. Other reports have speculated that the amount could be much higher. These reports however could not be independently confirmed.
The DNA further cited investigations to probe the possible involvement of politicians and bureaucrats in Nagaland, and whether there was diversion of government funds.
ACAUT demands thorough investigation
The ACAUT meanwhile stated that the case should stand as a “wakeup call” to the IT officials stationed in Nagaland and the State Vigilance Commission (SVC).
According to the ACAUT, the IT in Nagaland while it assists the IT sleuths probing the case “should also act own their own in unearthing more such shady financial dealings.” It further demanded that the SVC should investigate Pillai’s “stint in service as consultant” to the Nagaland Police.
Stating that corruption in Nagaland has gone to such an extent that “revelations of corruption no longer seem to incite anger on the people’s part or shame on the part of the doer,” the ACAUT called for greater participation of the public to reverse this trend.
