HC asks DGP to file addl affidavit
Shillong, Nov 29: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday directed former director general of police (DGP) Lajja Ram Bishnoi to file an additional affidavit in connection with a petition filed against him for allegedly using a fake vehicle registration plate during his tenure as DGP.
The court asked for the affidavit as required by the prosecution counsel to argue the matter.
Earlier on October 22, the court directed the state government to submit the charge sheet filed against the former DGP.
On May 9, suspended cop and former assistant inspector general (AIG) of Meghalaya Police GK Iangrai filed an FIR against Bishnoi just before he retired as DGP, for alleged misuse and tampering of registration plate of his vehicle.
Iangrai, who was arrested on November 2, 2022 for allegedly misappropriating funds sanctioned for the construction of the Nationwide Emergency Response System (NERS) building in Shillong, also sought action against the members of the Inquiry Committee into the matter.
In the FIR, the former AIG had said the Enquiry Committee constituted on July 18, 2022, stated that “One Hyundai Verna which is parked at Central Workshop has been allotted a fake number and no Registration of the vehicle was done by AIG-A, since no documents are available”.
While RTI revealed about the vehicle (Verna 1.6 VTVT) being registered with the Transport department in the name of the DGP.
The AIG also alleged that Bishnoi, who came to join his present posting in a white Kia Carnival Limousine with Assam number plate, later changed the number plate to ML-02-A-0001, which was originally registered for the Verna vehicle.
Also the DGP is entitled to use a vehicle within the range of Rs 12 lakh, while the Kia Karnival cost almost ₹40 lakh, the petitioner said.
