Northeast Desk, 11th September: The Special Task Force (STF) of Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has launched a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) against Temjen Imna Along, the Cabinet Minister of Nagaland and state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The enquiry follows a court order issued during a hearing on a petition filed by Hazel Mercantile Limited, a Mumbai-based company.
The court’s order, delivered by Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, came after Hazel Mercantile Limited alleged that Along, during a period when he was not holding a public office (2015-2018), solicited an investment from the company for ventures in Nagaland. According to the complaint, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on April 21, 2015, which led to an investment of approximately Rs 125 crore from the company. This MoU included agreements for construction contracts and the supply of rice and sugar.
The company claims that following their fulfillment of contractual obligations and invoicing, Along began avoiding communication with their representatives. After receiving no response, Hazel Mercantile Limited filed a complaint with the EOW on February 9, 2024. Due to Along’s current position as a Cabinet Minister, Deputy Commissioner of Police Sangramsinh Nishandar of the STF forwarded the complaint to the Nagaland Lokayukt for consideration on June 24, 2024. However, Hazel Mercantile Limited sought to stay this referral, arguing it was unnecessary.
During the court hearing, Additional Public Prosecutor Kranti Hiwrale informed that the Nagaland Lokayukt had declared that the alleged transactions occurred before Along’s tenure as a public functionary, thus falling outside its jurisdiction. Consequently, the STF EOW initiated a Preliminary Enquiry into the allegations.
The court has adjourned the hearing for eight weeks to allow the enquiry to proceed. Justice Chavan praised Deputy Commissioner Nishandar, noting his reputation for being “straightforward and devoted to work.” The ongoing enquiry aims to clarify the allegations and ensure accountability.
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