The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary (Home) of Arunachal Pradesh to appear before it on August 24 over the alleged non-cooperation of the state government with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its preliminary enquiry into the award of public works contracts to firms allegedly linked to the family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notices to both senior officials after examining a CBI status report, which stated that the state government had failed to provide key records required for the investigation despite the Supreme Court’s earlier directions. The court asked the officials to file their responses and explain the reasons for the alleged non-compliance.
The enquiry stems from the Supreme Court’s April 6 order directing the CBI to register a preliminary enquiry into allegations of preferential allotment of government contracts in Arunachal Pradesh between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2025. The court observed that the probe agency had reported a lack of cooperation from the state authorities and had also highlighted certain discrepancies during the enquiry.
During the hearing, the CBI sought additional time to complete its investigation, stating that crucial documents had not been made available by the state government. The court also questioned whether sufficient material already existed for the registration of a regular case.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 24, when the two senior state officials have been directed to appear in person before the Supreme Court.
