Documents obtained through an RTI by Tsumongthong Yim show discrepancies in the Rs 7.27 crore Pungren–Mimi to Fakim road project in Kiphire, undertaken under PMGSY Phase VIII (2011-12) prompting allegations by the RTI appellant that the road exists only on paper.
According to official records, the 20 km road was awarded to M/s Hexad Syndicate under Work Order No. CE/PMGSY/PH-VIII/WO/2008-09/KPE-6, dated February 22, 2012, at an estimated cost of Rs 727.12 lakh. The order clearly specified an 18-month completion deadline, required the establishment of a field laboratory, quality registers, and departmental verification before any payments were made.
In response to an RTI application, the Public Information Officer (PIO), Office of the Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B), stated that the project had been “completed,” and bills amounting to Rs 727.06 lakh were released to the contractor in multiple instalments between December 2012 and June 2020.
Contradictions emerged when the completion certificate – signed only in 2024 by the Chief Engineer – certified that M/s Hexad Syndicate had “successfully completed the work as per specification and requirement.” The certificate lists the official working period as March 3, 2012 to September 3, 2013, but curiously records the actual date of completion as August 10, 2020 – nearly seven years beyond the stipulated deadline and four years before the certificate was even signed.
Despite these documents, on-ground verification and photographs provided by Yim show that little to no work has been executed along the said road.
Calling it a “travesty of justice,” the RTI appellant said the alleged scam is not merely financial malpractice, but a direct betrayal of public trust and a denial of development to the people of the region.
“I strongly condemn this corruption and urge the concerned officials and the State Government to initiate a thorough investigation and take stringent action against all those responsible,” he said.
He added that despite facing threats and pressure from various quarters, including certain department officials, he remains committed to pursuing justice.
“I will continue fighting until every individual involved in this scam is held accountable and the people of Fakim and surrounding areas receive what is rightfully theirs,” he said.