Guwahati: Former East Kameng DLRSO Takam Kechak, the main accused in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway land compensation case, was granted bail by a special court here on 7 January.
Kechak had been taken into custody by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on 17 December last year in connection with the alleged scam.
The bail was granted by Special Judge (PCA) Hiredra Kashyap.
The court noted that there was no violation of Section 47 of the BNSS, as the reasons for Kechak’s arrest had been properly communicated to him in writing.
However, the court observed non-compliance with Section 48 of the BNSS by the investigating officer, which was deemed a violation of constitutional provisions, entitling Kechak to bail.
While granting bail, the court also acknowledged that there is substantial incriminating evidence against Kechak and that other individuals were allegedly involved in the case.
Kechak was released on a bail bond of Rs 1,00,000, with the condition that he submit his passport to the court and refrain from leaving the country while the case is ongoing.
The court further instructed that the accused must not attempt to influence, intimidate, or make promises to anyone connected with the case, including witnesses and relatives, or tamper with any evidence.
During the hearing, senior advocate A. Bora, representing Kechak, highlighted that the accused had no prior criminal record. The bail application had been filed by Tassar Nahio on behalf of Kechak.
The case was initiated following a complaint by eight members of the All Nyishi Youth Association, East Kameng district unit, who alleged misappropriation of funds in the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project.
The complaint names former East Kameng DC Himanshu Nigam, Kechak, district horticulture officer CK Tayum, DFO Abhinav Kumar, and several other officials.
According to the allegations, a total of Rs 109.65 crore was sanctioned for the implementation of the Frontier Highway project (Packages 4 and 5).
Of this, Rs 77.20 crore was paid as land compensation to affected beneficiaries, while Rs 32.45 crore remains unaccounted for.
The ACB registered the case under Section 61/336/318/316(5)/319 of the BNSS, read with Section 7 and 13(1)(a)(b)(2) of the PC Act, and continues to investigate it under its supervision.