Meghalaya: Miani lodges FIR against James, Agatha for poll code violation

From Our Correspondent, TNT News | Tura, May 26, 2018

Two days before Ampati goes to by-poll, Congress candidate, Miani D Shira, this morning filed an FIR against home minister, James K Sangma and his sister and South Tura MLA, Agatha Sangma, for allegedly violating the election code of conduct in poll bound Ampati.

The FIR was filed at about 2:20 am this morning at the Ampati PS in South West Garo Hills.

According to the FIR, James and Agatha had reached the village of Taktaki at about 12:30 am this morning and tried to enter people's houses and bribe them with money for votes in favour of their candidate, Clement G Momin of the National People's Party (NPP).

Both parties have led an extended campaign for their candidates in what looking to be very close fight for the right to represent the people of Ampati. The seat fell vacant after the resignation of Dr Mukul Sangma who had earlier won both Songsak and Ampati seats.

"When our party workers and village elders found out, they tried to stop them but they used their power (security as home minister) to take those stopping them and few vehicles captive," accused Miani.

Calling the event unprecedented, the Congress candidate said, "As soon as I heard of this incident, I tried calling the official complaint number to inform them as a responsible candidate and to encourage my party workers not to take law into their hands."

Miani however alleged that there was no action taken by the election officials leading to her lodging an FIR on the incident.

"I had no option but to file a FIR. A just investigation is required in the matter for fair bye elections to be held at Ampati," she said.

Ampati goes to polls this Monday, May 28 with results to be declared on June 1.