SC orders CBI inquiry into allegations that Arunachal PWD contracts were awarded to firms linked to CM Pema Khandu’s kin

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe into the allegation that Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu's family received contracts worth Rs 1,270 crores over 10 years.

It directed CBI to initiate probe within two weeks and ordered Arunachal Pradesh government to place before the agency all related documents for awarding contracts.

The top court ordered the CBI to file its probe report before it within 16 weeks.

"The CBI shall initiate a preliminary inquiry within two weeks. Preliminary inquiry and consequential investigation, if any, shall cover execution of public works, contracts, and work orders within the period January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025," the bench said.

"State of Arunachal Pradesh shall cooperate fully with the CBI. The Chief Secretary of the state shall designate a nodal officer for coordination with the CBI. State shall ensure no record is destroyed," the order said.

SC's order came on a petition filed by organisations Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena. The PIL sought a CBI or SIT probe into the awarding of public works contracts to firms linked to family members of Pema Khandu.

The plea also named his late father Dorjee Khandu’s second wife Rinchin Drema and his nephew Tsering Tashi as parties in the case. Dorjee Khandu had died in a helicopter crash in 2011 while serving as chief minister.

According to the petitioners, Rinchin Drema’s firm, Brand Eagles, received a significant number of government contracts despite an apparent conflict of interest.

The PIL further argued that the repeated awarding of large-scale public contracts to firms linked to the chief minister’s family and close associates suggests such decisions were unlikely without the minister’s knowledge, consent, or active support.


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