Meghalaya: Complaints, FIRs aplenty during Ampati by-poll

SHILLONG, May 29, 2018: Meghalaya chief electoral officer F.R. Kharkongor has asked the district election authorities to take action in connection with complaints and counter-complaints related to violation of model code of conduct in Ampati constituency where voting for the bypoll was held on Monday.

Addressing reporters here on Monday evening after voting came to an end, Kharkongor said five FIRs and counter-FIRs were lodged and steps are taken to issue showcause notices to the parties.

On allegations that government machinery was misused and chief minister Conrad K. Sangma was moving around Ampati in violation of model code of conduct, Kharkongor said: "I have not received any official complaint. I have told poll officials that if a complaint comes immediate steps must be taken. The first step is to issue a showcause against the party which violates the model code of conduct."

"All these cases will be investigated and the law will take its own course. As there are many FIRs and counter-FIRs, proper investigation has to be done," Kharkongor said.

The Congress accused NPP leaders of bribing voters at Taktaki village.

The NPP accused Mukul Sangma of campaigning after the campaign period ended at Bollongitok village. A counter complaint against NPP leader Ian Botham Sangma was filed accusing him of staying illegally in Ampati though he is a resident of Tura. Botham filed a "false" complaint against Mukul as he (Mukul) was not present at Bollongitok village on Saturday.

On Monday, Congress candidate Miani D. Shira lodged a complaint, alleging that member of Garo Hills District Council Nipen Koch along with a few men were spotted distributing money at Samatigoan and they moved towards Murikati and Bandrikona villages.

Miani alleged that Raksamgre MLA of NPP Benedict R. Marak had assaulted and threatened headman Menondro Arengh of Thakuranbari village along with armed men. She said Benedict was seen moving towards Monabari and was last spotted at Rongramgre threatening villagers not to vote. An FIR has been filed at Monabari police station in this regard.

Source: The Telegraph