
Using the Right to Information Act, an NGO has accused former Meghalaya Health Minister and Congress legislator Sayedullah Nongrum of swindling public money by fraudulently withdrawing Rs 10 lakh from the MLA scheme.
Nongrum, however, rubbished the allegation and told reporters on Monday that the accusation was politically motivated. 8220;Social Welfare Association is trying to malign my image just before the 2008 Assembly polls8221; he said, threatening to sue the NGO.
SWA has alleged that Nongrum used bogus clubs and organisations to withdraw money from various MLA schemes. It also alleged that Nongrum embezzled Rs 2 lakh, claiming that the money was being used for the construction of roads in Dorvestilla and Hallidayaganj.
Other projects where misappropriation of funds have been cited by the NGO include construction of community hall at Kasiabari Rs 5 lakh, improvement of road at Bhotdoba Rs 1 lakh, construction of road and bridge at Morasuti village Rs 2 lakh.
Reacting to the allegation, Nongrum said that he merely sanctioned the money and the Block Development Officer BDO took up the responsibility of implementing the task.