Editor,
The persistent attempts by a senior Cabinet minister to evade criminal prosecution in the 2009 Education Scam reflect a blatant disregard for justice and accountability. The fact that legal proceedings have been delayed for over a decade — despite damning evidence of direct involvement in manipulating score sheets to favour select candidates — highlights the systemic corruption and political shielding that has been at play.
The recent appeal to quash the criminal case is nothing but a desperate manoeuvre to escape the consequences of these actions. If the charges were baseless, why has the CBI, a central investigative agency, deemed it necessary to prosecute multiple high-ranking officials? The charge sheet indicates deliberate tampering with selection results, an offence that robbed countless deserving candidates of their rightful opportunities while embedding inefficiency and favouritism in the state’s education system.
The High Court’s order directing the trial court to proceed with witness examination is a much-needed step, but the fact that the CBI is still grappling with a bloated list of over 400 witnesses raises questions about why this case has not been fast-tracked. The delay not only benefits the accused but also raises suspicions about external interference. The earlier suggestion by the High Court to trim the list of witnesses should have expedited the process, yet it seems the legal team involved continues to exploit procedural loopholes to prolong the case.
One must question why successive governments in Meghalaya have provided undue protection to those implicated. Had such a blatant abuse of power occurred in any other state, she/he would likely have been behind bars long ago. This case is a glaring example of political impunity, where powerful individuals manipulate the system to their advantage while the common people suffer the consequences of a compromised education system.
For the sake of justice and the integrity of Meghalaya’s governance, the courts must see through these delaying tactics and ensure that the offender(s) in the 2009 Education Scam are held fully accountable. Any further leniency will only reinforce the perception that politicians remain above the law while ordinary citizens face the brunt of systemic corruption.
Yours etc.
A citizen for education
