The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has officially taken charge of the investigation into an alleged multi-crore rupee scam linked to the Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura road project in Meghalaya. According to Northeast Now, the move follows a case filed against nine individuals, including contractors, senior government engineers, and corporate officials, who stand accused of misappropriating funds allocated for the project.
The case, initiated by Chief Engineer AM Kharmawphlang of the Public Works Department (PWD) National Highways division in September 2024, was filed under instructions from the Meghalaya state government. Among those named in the First Information Report (FIR) are senior government engineers and officials from two private firms based in Telangana and Haryana.
Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang issued the directive to transfer the investigation to the CID. A dedicated CID team, led by an appointed investigating officer, will now take on the task of conducting a comprehensive probe into the case. All relevant documents and case diaries previously managed by the initial investigating officer will be handed over to the CID.
The police faced challenges in the initial stages of the investigation due to the technical complexities involved, leading to delays. The alleged scam, dating back to 2010, centers on the project’s cost escalation from an initial estimate of Rs 1,303.83 crore to a revised total of Rs 2,366.77 crore.