Arunachal: Govt Official Takam Kechak Arrested In Connection With Rs 130 Cr Frontier Highway Compensation Scam
In a significant development in the scam involving over Rs 130 crore linked to the Frontier Highway project from Lada (Bichom) to Sarli (Kurung Kumey) in Seppa, Arunachal Pradesh, the first arrest has been made.
Takam Kechak, the District Land Revenue & Settlement Officer of East Kameng, was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday.
He had earlier been suspended along with 4 other officials over their alleged roles in the irregularities.
The scandal, which has rocked the state, involves the 125.55-kilometre Lada–Sarli stretch of the Frontier Highway, officially known as National Highway 913, a project vital to both Arunachal Pradesh and national security as it runs along the China border.
Suspensions and Allegations
The other 4 suspended officials are – Abhinav Kumar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Seppa; Miram Perme, District Agriculture Officer, Seppa; C.K. Tayum, District Horticulture Officer; and Himanshu Nigam, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Kameng.
They were suspended for their alleged roles in the irregularities after a Fact-Finding Committee constituted by the Arunachal Pradesh government discovered serious discrepancies in land acquisition and compensation processes.
The interim report revealed that non-existent assets were awarded compensation, while actual landowners were left out of the payment lists.
Calls for Transparent Probe and CBI Investigation
The scam has triggered strong opposition from the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) and East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Organization (EKSWCO), demanding a transparent investigation and arrests of all involved.
Social activist and whistleblower Sol Dodum, who first exposed the scam, has accused the Pema Khandu-led state government of delaying the investigation and stalling the developmental project by withholding the final report of the Fact-Finding Committee.
On December 4, Sol Dodum has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and urged the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to “raid, identify, and jail the corrupt officials” involved.
Government’s Response
Responding to these demands, Home Minister Mama Natung today stated the government is acting according to law and assured that justice will be served.
Minister Mama Natung clarified that compensation to deprived families is not delayed intentionally. If anyone is found responsible, suspension or strict action will be taken as per law.
Stating that investigations take time, the Minister said that the Fact-Finding Committee will submit its final report after re-verification, expected by today evening or tomorrow. The government will act based on the committee’s findings.
“I met with ANYA yesterday and told them that there has been no delay on the government’s part. Since day one, the government has been actively working on the issue. We have formed a Fact-Finding Committee, suspended 5 officials, and conducted site visits. Once the committee submits its final report, the government will take appropriate action. Investigations take time, but we are committed to ensuring justice,” said Minister Mama Natung.
For misuse of funds, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has already collected the necessary documents from the concerned families. The case is under process. Proper identification will be done by the Fact-Finding Committee and Anti-Corruption Bureau.
He assured that anyone found guilty will face action, and asked deprived families to trust the law and the government.
Also read: Declared Bangladeshis by FT Court, 15 people of Nagaon told to leave India within 24 hours
