Produce required number of witnesses for establishing Ampareen’s role in the White Ink Scam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 9, 2024

The High Court of Meghalaya on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) top produce only the required number of witnesses for establishing the role of Meghalaya Minister M Ampareen Lyngdoh in the infamous white ink Government LP School teachers recruitment scam.

The order was passed by the Single Bench of High Court of Meghalaya headed by Chief Justice IP Mukerji during the hearing of Criminal Petition No. 36, 37, 70 and 71 of 2023 between Central Bureau of Investigation Shillong versus M. Ampareen Lyngdoh & ors, Mazeal Ampareen Lyngdoh vs Central Bureau of Investigation and Jeffrey D. Sangma versus Central Bureau of Investigation & another.

During the hearing, the Court informed that Meghalaya Minister MA Lyngdoh and two others were accused of illegally manipulating and subverting the process of selection and appointment of Assistant teachers in Lower Primary School, Government of Meghalaya in the year 2008-09.

The Court also said that the investigation of the case, (PS Case under Sections 120B, 167, 466, 408, 34 IPC) was entrusted with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation by this High Court.

The Court observed so far not more than 20 witnesses for the prosecution have been examined and it is leamt that the prosecution has about 162 witnesses.

“The petitions filed by the accused are on various grounds. The ground made out by the first accused who is an Hon’ble Minister of this State is that the charge-sheet does not disclose any offence,” the order said.

The Court observed that the criminal proceeding is pending for over 13 years and it is high time it is disposed of.

The Court said that the selection of witnesses should be so made so that only the required number to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt is produced and examined before the Court, Unnecessary witnesses and evidence should be avoided.

The Court directed the CBI to cut short the list of witnesses, according to the observation above while listing the next hearing on February 20, 2025.