MPLAD Scam: ACS Sukanya Borah released after day-long interrogation

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• Dec 18, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Borah, who was suspended in March amidst accusations of misappropriating MPLAD funds, addressed reporters after her...

Digital Desk: Sukanya Borah, the suspended Assistant District Commissioner (ADC) of Kamrup Metropolitan District, faced a day-long interrogation on Monday regarding her alleged involvement in the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund scam. Following the extensive questioning by investigating authorities, Borah was released later in the day.

Borah, who was suspended in March amidst accusations of misappropriating MPLAD funds, addressed reporters after her interrogation, stating, "The matter is still under investigation. I had inherited some wealth from my parents, regarding which the police is continuing its probe." She vehemently denied additional allegations, asserting, "I did not torture my mother, nor did I disown my brother."

It may be noted that the Chief Minister’s Vigilance Cell raided Borah's residence on December 12 in connection with the MPLAD scam in Assam. The investigation revolves around irregularities suspected in projects funded by the MPLAD scheme.

Earlier attempts by Borah to secure anticipatory bail in May were unsuccessful when the Gauhati High Court rejected her plea. The case stems from the improper allocation of funds from Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan’s MPLAD fund for a road construction project in Barpeta, Assam. Payment was authorized before the project reached 75 percent completion, leading to suspicions of malpractice.

This scandal was unearthed during an inquiry by the CM’s Special Vigilance Cell, which revealed that four suspended officers had approved payments before the stipulated completion threshold.

The investigation into MPLAD fund misuse has widened, involving former Union Minister of State Ranee Narah from Assam, accused of diverting funds allocated for hand pump installations in Jorhat. The probe continues to unravel deeper connections and potential irregularities in the utilization of government funds across various projects.

The fate of Borah and others embroiled in the MPLAD fund scam remains uncertain, pending further investigation by the authorities.