Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty in the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway compensation scam.
His statement came in response to the East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Organisation’s (EKSWCO) call for the arrest of all officials involved, including former East Kameng deputy commissioner Himanshu Nigam.
Speaking at a press briefing on the BJP’s Vikshit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin at the party office, Khandu confirmed that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is probing the case. “Anyone found responsible after the investigation will face strict consequences,” he said.
The chief minister also noted that the state’s land department secretary has formed four committees to re-evaluate the highway’s entire stretch, with the reassessment expected to begin shortly.
Regarding EKSWCO’s demand for a central probe by agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Khandu clarified that the state government cannot order such investigations.
He added that central agencies will make independent decisions. “Since central government funds are involved, if they see a need for investigation, they will take action,” he said.
The EKSWCO had also questioned why the ACB has so far arrested only former DLRSO Takam Kechak, while other officials, bank managers, and brokers allegedly involved have not been held accountable.
The Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway compensation issue has remained controversial in recent months, following reports of alleged irregularities in the disbursement of compensation funds.