Mizoram govt starts investigation against LAD minister

Aizawl, Sep 7 (UNI) The Local Administration Department (LAD) has initiated an investigation aganist its minister Dr Lalzama, who had allegedly drawn funds meant for the village council.

In a letter, LAD commissioner R K Thanga instructed his director to have the matter 'enquired into on a priority basis' as there were also charges that LAD officials had threatened the village council's president with a dissolution of the council.

Village Council president of Sihphir Vengthar, Lalthardenga, had filed an FIR with the Bawngkawn police that LAD Minister Dr Lalzama, in his capacity, had drawn funds without his knowledge.

The leader had also complained to the LAD Commissioner on August 28 last about the matter saying that Rs 65,000 had been drawn by Dr Lalzama and that the money had been handed over to the MNF unit of this village. Mr Lalthanhawla requested the commissioner to look into the matter and take action because a section of LAD officials had allegedly threatened the council to dissolve it.

The Sihhpir Vengthar village council made up of a Congress majority and ruling party members had apparently drawn the funds given to this village under an urban local body scheme. Police said that Sihphir Vengthar, Village Council president Lalthardenga lodged an FIR alleging that Dr Lalzama had drawn the funds of Rs 65,000 was used for the construction of a footpath/pedestrian pavement in the locality.

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