Congress leader accused of bribe from UCIL funds

Shillong, Feb 22: Uranium mining has sparked controversy inMeghalaya as senior Congress leader Hispreaching Son Shylla was accusedof accepting bribe from the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL).

The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), an allyof the ruling Congress-led government in the state, yesterday chargedMr Shylla, the Chief Executive Member of Khasi Hills AutonomousDistrict Council (KHADC), with receiving funds for the construction ofa road from Wahkaji-Mawthabah village in West Khasi Hills District tofacilitate the Mining project.

Last April, the UCIL decided to fund Rs 20 crore for constructionof Wahkaji-Mawthabah road, which would facilitate theKylleng-Pyndeng-Sohiong uranium project.

Talking to reporters here, KHNAM General Secretary Erwin SyiemSutnga alleged that Mr Shylla had not credited the amount received fromUCIL to the District Fund as required under Para 7 of the SixthSchedule but opened a joint account of KHADC and UCIL at Unit Trust ofIndia (UTI) Bank.

Stating Mr Shylla's acceptance of money as gross violation of thefinancial procedure, Mr Sutnga said such transactions by the seniorCongress leader was punishable under Benami Transaction (Prohibition)Act 1988.

''It is a serious case and the Congress government in the stateshould initiate an inquiry against Mr Shylla,'' the KHNAM leader said,adding that his party would even take up the matter with Prime MinisterManmohan Singh.

Terming his arch rival allegations as 'baseless'', Mr Shylla, whoadvocated for Uranium mining said the Standing Council of the KHADCwould soon file a defamation case against Mr Sutnga for levelingbaseless allegation.

''They (KHNAM) are trying to score brownie points, as the general elections are on the toe,'' Mr Shylla told UNI here today.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee President OLNongtdu told UNI that the party would soon direct Mr Shylla to provehis innocence.

UNI>