Pradip Dutta Roy's missive to PM Narendra Modi on black diamond trade

SILCHAR: Pradip Dutta Roy, founder president of ACKHSA and lawyer of Gauhati High Court, who has been vocal in highlighting public grievances against evil practices, now voices his concern at the continuing illegal trade of black diamond. The Sentinel too sometime back in on the spot reporting from Malidor, the dividing line between Meghalaya and Assam, brought out the entire modus operandi, extending all the way from the coal pits of Meghalaya. Failing to get any positive response to his representation to the district and the state higher authorities concerned for action to stop the illegal trade, Pradip Dutta Roy on Thursday sent a missive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.

After a brief respite, notwithstanding corona spectre, the operation has resumed again. Local residents of Kalain, down NH 6, 50 km from Malidor, noticed coal laden trucks trickling in as usual towards their different destinations of the valley. One was unloading in a makeshift shade at Kalain. This was how the dawn broke, people raising questions about the sincerity of the Sonowal government to fight against corruption. Is the slogan, 'zero tolerance against corruption' a whitewash or cosmetic?

According to Dutta Roy, a strong syndicate is behind this clandestine business, costing the state exchequer crores of rupees in a month. As highlighted, the syndicate men collect Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per truck. On an average, in normal situation, around 80 trucks from Meghalaya move in. The exchequer lost in this shady trade can well be earned through taxes in a fair way when the state government is harping on 'transparency and accountability.' How the image of the government is sullied can well be understood from talks with people on the street.

Pradip Dutta Roy rues his representations to Sonowal Government have evoked half hearted response. A CBI inquiry was ordered and according the investigation led to the arrest of 5 or 6 persons. After that the fate of the CBI probe is not known. The former ACKHSA leader has also mentioned a top leader of the saffron party in this valley and the other in Brahmaputra valley controlling the syndicate. Relevant to mention the matter of coal scam was raised by Atul Bora, minister, and Shiladitya Deb, BJP MLA from Hojai, at news conference in the past. But, the government maintained silence. This definitely sends wrong signal. Dutta urges the Prime Minister to intervene in the matter.

Also read: Evening Bulletin | 24th June, 2020