Nagaland Corruption Scandal: ED Files Chargesheet in Gauhati High Court Case

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against a contractor and several companies over misappropriation allegations in the building of the Gauhati High Court's Kohima bench. The case, triggered by a 2017 PIL, involves inflated construction costs and a conspiracy between contractors and Nagaland PWD officials.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has pursued legal action by filing a chargesheet against a contractor and various companies, amidst allegations of public fund misappropriation linked to the construction of the Gauhati High Court's new complex in Kohima, Nagaland.

This legal development follows a 2017 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that brought to light claims of sub-standard construction work and financial discrepancies, prompting the high court to demand a CBI investigation. The Central Bureau of Investigation registered a case in June 2019 against individuals from the Nagaland Public Works Department and associated contractors.

The ED has identified monetary inflations and conspiracies, specifically implicating Avituo Sekhose and firms such as Hexad Syndicate. Allegations include the fraudulent escalation of construction costs for the complex's retaining walls and public thoroughfares, leading to financial excesses amounting to over Rs 1 crore. As a result, assets valued at Rs 96.67 lakh have been seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)