Crackdown on Rs 130-Crore Arunachal Land Compensation Scam

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has vowed strict action in a Rs 130-crore land compensation scam involving the Lada-Sarli section of the Frontier Highway. A state investigation has been completed, and further verification of records has been ordered. Central agency involvement depends on federal authorities.

Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, today vowed stringent measures in response to a significant Rs 130-crore land compensation scam tied to the Lada-Sarli portion of the Frontier Highway. The fraudulent activity is said to involve disbursed compensations for the 125.5-km highway segment that enhances connectivity along the strategic India-China border.

The state-appointed one-man inquiry committee has completed its investigation, presenting a detailed report on the irregularities. The Arunachal Pradesh government has initiated a new round of verification to scrutinize land ownership records and compensations awarded for the project area, underscoring its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Despite calls for a probe by central agencies, including the ED or CBI, Khandu clarified that such a decision lies with federal authorities. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Bureau has apprehended the land revenue officer of East Kameng district in connection to the scam, spotlighting ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable.

(With inputs from agencies.)