Shillong, Apr 21: Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who represents East Shillong, said that she will find out details about the alleged anomalies in the construction of Laitumkhrah Municipal Market Project.
A Ri Bhoi-based advocate has sought CBI investigation into serious financial irregularities, procedural violations, conflict of interest and environmental non-compliance in the re-development of Laitumkhrah Municipal Market Project.
When contacted, Ampareen said, “I will find out details”.
Advocate Napoleon S. Mawphniang filed a formal complaint with the governor, the chief minister, and the chief secretary and chief vigilance commissioner, requesting probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The complaint, supported by extensive documentation obtained through Right to Information (RTI) applications, revealed “a disturbing pattern of corruption and mismanagement that has resulted in a 36.8% increase in project costs and a delay of over four years”, Mawphniang said in a statement.
The complaint highlighted several critical issues:
Conflict of Interest: The principal contractor, M/s Collinstar Sawkmie, is the father of the current Sports and Youth Affairs Minister. This undisclosed familial connection represents a clear violation of the Prevention of Corruption Act and established procurement norms.
Contract Irregularities: The project was initially awarded in April 2020 for Rs 25.73 crore but has since ballooned to Rs 35.21 crore through multiple revisions and “adjustments”. These substantial increases far exceed the 15% threshold that would normally require fresh tendering under Central Vigilance Commission guidelines.
Procedural violations: Despite the contract being awarded in April 2020, the site was only handed over to the contractor in September 2021 – a delay of 17 months. The project, originally scheduled for completion years ago, remains unfinished as of April 2025.
Environmental Non-compliance: The project appears to have proceeded without proper environmental impact assessments or waste management protocols, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.
“It is particularly disappointing to note that this is not the first time such irregularities have been brought to the attention of authorities. Multiple complaints regarding this and similar projects have been filed with the Chief Vigilance Commissioner’s office, the Chief Secretary’s office, the Chief Minister’s office, and the Governor in the past, yet no substantive action has been taken to address these serious concerns,” the advocate pointed out.
‘The lack of response from these high offices is especially concerning given the clear mandate of the chief vigilance commissioner to investigate allegations of corruption against public servants. This systemic failure to act on legitimate complaints has allowed the culture of impunity to flourish, resulting in the continued misuse of public resources,’ he added.
The complaint requested a thorough CBI investigation into all aspects of the project; a comprehensive forensic audit of all financial transactions; an expert committee to assess structural safety and environmental compliance; systemic reforms to prevent similar abuses in the future; and recovery of excess payments made to the contractors.
“The people of Meghalaya deserve transparency, accountability, and the judicious use of public resources,” said Mawphniang.
