GHADC inspector files FIR, to pursue case
Allegations and counter allegations on cash transaction continue
Shillong, Jan 15: Dibakar Koch, the enforcement inspector in-charge Mahendraganj, working under the Taxation department, GHADC, filed an FIR on January 12 regarding the video taken by him on Superintendent of Trade and Licensing, Taxation Department, Damien. K. Sangma taking cash.
Koch,hailing from Hawakhana Tura, said the reports appeared on January 6 that he took the video jokingly on handing cash to the Superintendent of Trade and Licensing,as he needed some money from him, is not true.
In the FIR, he said the video was not just a mere exchange of money between an enforcement inspector and superintendent of trade and licensing, taxation GHADC.
“In this respect I beg to clarify and state that statement made and appeared in the media was totally false and was published without my concern and knowledge, and I strongly deny the same”, he said.
According to Koch,it was in the third week of October last i.e 18 to 24 that he had visited Damien in his office chamber in connection with some official work and to get the approval of the trading license of the applicants/traders of Betasing, South- West Garo Hills .
“To my utter shock and surprise Damien K. Sangma had asked me to pay a gratification of Rs 2000 for issuing of trading license from each of the traders. I further beg to mention here that the amount charged by said officer is against the required fees of the license”, Koch said.
He said since the officer did not pay any heed and stuck to his own demand, he had to take a video clip from his mobile as an evidence to justify the illegal act.
“Further I was awaiting for more such evidences in future but was of no avail and hence the matter was brought publicly”, he said.
Koch said it was alleged that there had been some loan transaction between him and the official and asserted that there was no such loan taken by him.
He alleged that brother of Damien , Cosmos Sangma published false news and also threatened him with dire consequences if he carries on with the allegation against Damien.
However,.when contacted, both Damien and Cosmos said they are consulting lawyers to file defamation against Koch.
Cosmos also said he did not threaten Koch but only told him not to tarnish the image of the official unnecessarily or else he will face leagal consequences.
Koch, however, said, “I further state that I will pursue the matter with the concerned authorities and continue to fight against corruption. The corruption is like a decease and whoever fights against corruption will definitely face a lot of harassment but I have decided to fight against corruption till the end”.
