MPLAD scam: MP Ajit Bhuyan grilled for 5 hours; opposition slams probe as political vendetta

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 16, 2025

Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan was interrogated for over five hours on Monday by the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell (SVC) in connection with the alleged misuse of MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) funds during 2021–22 and 2022–23.

The investigation stems from a February 2023 report exposing alleged embezzlement of Rs 28 lakh meant for constructing three roads in Barpeta district — roads that were never built. Funds were reportedly siphoned off using forged bills. In response, four senior Assam Civil Service (ACS) officers, including key official Sukanya Borah, were suspended in March 2023. The SVC later filed a chargesheet in December 2024 against Borah, Jitu Kalita, and Biswajit Deka.

Despite the serious allegations, Bhuyan asserted his role was limited to recommending projects. “The execution and fund disbursement lies entirely with the district administration. Why haven’t the responsible officials been held accountable?” he questioned. He also accused the Vigilance Cell of acting as a political weapon for the ruling government, labelling it the Chief Minister’s “personal strike force.”

Bhuyan, who leads the opposition coalition Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASOM), claimed the probe was a tactic to weaken growing opposition unity in the state. “This is an orchestrated attempt to silence dissent,” he said.

Accompanied by AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, Bhuyan reached the SVC office at 11:30 AM. He was questioned on around 30 points related to the MPLAD-funded projects. While the SVC has not shared detailed findings, officials confirmed that Bhuyan’s was the final statement needed before the report goes to court.

Backing Bhuyan, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi called the investigation “politically motivated.” “If the government is really serious about fighting corruption, why not probe the Jal Jeevan Mission or the PWD?” Gogoi said.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the inquiry, noting, “The road project Bhuyan recommended doesn’t even exist. His statement completes the probe. Several officials have already been dismissed.”

With arrests of engineers, retired officials, and administrative staff, the case has become one of Assam’s most high-profile MPLAD-related corruption investigations — spotlighting deep governance flaws and triggering a fierce political battle over accountability and selective action.