Former Arunachal Pradesh CM, Apang arrested in PDS scam

Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang was today arrested by the special investigation cell for his alleged involvement in the multi-crore public distribution system scam.

"Apang was arrested based on material evidence and statement given by the other accused," the cell's investigating officer MS Chauhan told PTI.

Apang, who was summoned to the cell this morning, was arrested under non-bailable sections.

He was booked under section 120b (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery), 409 (criminal breach of trust) of IPC read with B-2 Prevention of Prevention of Corruption Act.

"We provided Apang with a set of questionnaires and despite three earlier summons he appeared before the SIC only today. He denied knowledge of facts or persons involved in the scam," Chauhan said.

The case was forwarded to special session judge at North Lakhimpur in Assam for trial. 

The Special Investigation Cell was constituted by the state government on the directive of the Gauhati high court after a PIL was filed by the Arunachal Citizens’ Right Chairperson Bamang Anthony and Domin Loya on June 13, 2004 against the alleged over 1000 crore PDS scam in the state. 

The scam relates to loss suffered by the public exchequer because of false and fraudulent hill transport subsidy bills, which were cleared without financial concurrence. Apang had been at the helm of affairs at the time.

Later, Apang was produced in the court of special sessions judge Randhir Nath in Assam's Lakhimpur district.

Apang told journalists, "I am not involved in the PDS scam. It is a political conspiracy. It is to tarnish my image. I demand a CBI inquiry."