SHILLONG: The National People’s Party (NPP) has vehemently dismissed any association with the recent seizure of Rs 1 crore from a vehicle trailing the convoy of its national president, Conrad Sangma, at a check-post in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party expressed astonishment at the reports, asserting that they were completely unaware of the incident until it surfaced in the media.
“We were not aware of the incident involving the vehicle until it was reported in the media. Our party was blindsided by the news, and any attempt to link this incident with our National President is baseless and without merit,” the statement read.
Addressing the concern further, the party clarified that the vehicle in question was not part of their convoy, a fact, they claimed is “officially certicfied” by the Longding area Superintendent of Police.
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Additionally, the statement added that all vehicles, including those transporting their National President, underwent standard security checks during the election code of conduct protocols, revealing no irregularities.
“Also, during the checking of vehicles at Kanubari check gate by the FST, SST and police, our party vehicles were thoroughly checked including that of our National President, National General Secretary and the team accompanying our president. The police vehicles were also thoroughly checked and nothing was found,” the statement read.
The recent seizure of Rs 1 crore from a vehicle trailing Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s convoy has sparked controversy.
Reportedly, the vehicle in question belonged to a senior official of Badri Rai company, a prominent entity engaged in various projects across Meghalaya, including the construction of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building.
Confirming the incident, Superintendent of Police Dekio Gumja disclosed that the cash was seized from an SUV, although it was not officially part of the Chief Minister’s convoy.
While initial speculation suggested the funds were intended for construction workers, the Income Tax Department is initiating an investigation.
Stricter guidelines from the Election Commission prohibit cash transportation exceeding Rs 50,000 during the model code of conduct.
Notably, the NPP has decided against contesting the Lok Sabha elections in Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming its support for NDA candidates.
