Shillong: A major road construction project worth Rs 2,366 crore in Meghalaya has come under criminal investigation following allegations of corruption and collusion between state engineers and private contractors.
The scandal surfaced on October 21, leading to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against nine individuals, including senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and private companies from Telangana and Haryana.
The case revolves around a highway project intended to connect Shillong to Tura via Nongstoin and Rongjeng.
Initially approved in 2010 under the Special Road Development Programme-North East, the project has faced significant delays and cost overruns, with the budget escalating from Rs 1,303 crore to Rs 2,366 crore through repeated revisions. Although the road was scheduled for completion in 2014, it remains unfinished.
The FIR, lodged by PWD Chief Engineer AM Kharmawphlang, accuses the officials and contractors of engaging in fraudulent practices, including record fabrication and corruption, resulting in substantial financial losses to the state.
According to the complaint, evidence of misconduct emerged during ongoing arbitration proceedings, prompting the department to seek a thorough investigation.
“Officials and engineers, in collusion with contractors, have adopted corrupt means to cause huge losses to the public exchequer,” the FIR states. The PWD’s rejection of the private companies’ demands for contract revision led to arbitration proceedings, which ultimately exposed the alleged fraud.
Police have confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the multi-crore scam is currently underway, aiming to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The case marks a significant development in Meghalaya’s efforts to tackle corruption and ensure accountability in public infrastructure projects.
Read More: Manipur CM N Biren Singh and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Discuss Acceleration of Highway Projects