Senior Congress functionary accused of misapprioting UCIL funds

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

The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), an ally of the ruling Congress-led government in the state, yesterday charged Mr Shylla, the Chief Executive Member of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), with receiving funds for the construction of a road from Wahkaji-Mawthabah village in West Khasi Hills District to facilitate the Mining project.

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

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

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

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

Terming his arch rival allegations as 'baseless'', Mr Shylla, who advocated for Uranium mining said the Standing Council of the KHADC would soon file a defamation case against Mr Sutnga for leveling baseless 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 OL Nongtdu told UNI that the party would soon direct Mr Shylla to prove his innocence.

UNI