CBI alleges non-cooperation by state in probe against CM Khandu

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged non-cooperation by the state in its probe against Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

The development took place after a division bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta perused a status report filed by the CBI pursuant to the court's April order directing a CBI probe into accusations of favouritism in public works contract allotments involving Khandu.

After examining the report, the bench observed that the federal agency had flagged difficulties obtaining records from the state government.


"The status report was submitted on behalf of CBI dated July 17. A perusal of the same reflects that there is non-cooperation on behalf of the state government with respect to furnishing records. We deem it appropriate to issue notice to the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home)," the bench ordered.

Senior officials have been asked to appear in person on August 24, the next date of hearing.

"Both the aforesaid officers shall remain present before this court along with their response to the aforementioned report of the CBI and also explain why there is non-cooperation and non-compliance with the directions of this court," the bench ordered.

The Supreme Court in April had directed CBI to probe allegations of favouritism in allotment of contracts of public works to firms linked to Pema Khandu and his kin during 2015-2025 across all districts in the state.

"Preliminary enquiry and consequential investigation, if any, shall cover execution of public works contracts and work orders within the period -- January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025," the bench had ordered. The bench had also clarified that the federal agency shall not be precluded from examining transactions outside the above period.

The bench had also directed the state government to fully cooperate with the probe. "Arunachal Pradesh shall cooperate fully with CBI. The chief secretary shall designate a nodal officer for coordination with CBI. The state shall ensure no record is destroyed," the bench had ordered. The agency has been directed to file a status report before court.

The order was passed on a PIL filed by NGO 'Save Mon Region Federation', seeking a probe either by the CBI or a special investigation team into the accusations. The petitioner alleged that Arunachal Pradesh was being run like a private company by the CM.