SHILLONG: Cabinet minister and National People’s Party (NPP) candidate for the Lok Sabha election from the Shillong seat, Ampareen Lyngdoh, has refuted claims of conviction in the 2009 education scam case and cautioned political parties against exploiting the ongoing legal proceedings.
Addressing the press, Lyngdoh highlighted that the case is currently under court scrutiny, and she has not been convicted.
She urged political parties not to manipulate the situation to create a false narrative of guilt.
“I wish to emphasise that the case is presently under consideration in the court. I have not been convicted, and therefore, no political party should exploit this situation to portray it as if I have already been found guilty,” Lyngdoh was quoted as saying.
While declining to provide further comments on the matter, she expressed confidence that the truth would prevail during the legal proceedings.
“An individual is innocent until proven otherwise. Feel free to engage in discussions, pass the ball around; I remain steadfast and un-intimidated,” she stressed.
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Lyngdoh also issued a warning to her opponents, advising them against exploiting the case for political gains, as she believes there will be repercussions in due course.
“I face no fear because my actions speak volumes. When I step into the courtroom, I am well-aware of the matters under discussion. It is not the man on the street or the politician who will challenge me; I am prepared to face any challenge head-on,” Lyngdoh affirmed.
The allegations stem from the infamous education scam of 2009, where the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charged Lyngdoh, along with retired government officials J D Sangma and Ameka Lyngdoh, for manipulating score sheets of candidates.
The case was transferred to the CBI by the High Court in 2017, ordering an investigation into the alleged mass manipulation, tampering of score sheets, and interference in the selection of assistant teachers in lower primary schools in 2008-09.
The pending criminal case against Lyngdoh involves various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 120-B, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 201, along with Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
