Manipur government orders probe into traffic light scam

Imphal: After ordering a probe into the CCTV camera scam in Manipur, the BJP-led coalition government has ordered another probe into the traffic light scam.

According to officials, some more probes will be ordered in the coming days as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its pre-poll pledge said it will book the corrupt elements if the party forms government in Manipur.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Suresh Babu on Saturday said a three-member committee comprising Additional Director General of Police Pramod Ashatana, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Secretary Sumant Singh, and Inspector General of Police Soibam Ibomcha will probe the scam.

The committee will submit a report within 15 days.

According to complaints, the sub-standard traffic signal light equipments installed in Manipur did not function a single day.

BJP sources said that despite the media expose and demand for probe, the previous Congress government did not order any inquiry.

Official sources said that a sum of Rs 1,93,75,000 was deposited for installation of the traffic signal lights with solar and battery back ups at 12 points in the Imphal city.

Though the money was deposited in 2005, the installation work was completed in 2011.

The Congress government had said that after installation of the system, traffic will flow smoothly.

"Perhaps Imphal is the only state capital in the country which does not have traffic light system. Traffic cops are regulating the traffic at some busy points while leaving all others unmanned," a BJP official said.

"After nightfall, the traffic points are left alone and it is for the drivers to negotiate the busy crossings."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said: "The Centre has sanctioned Rs 150 crore for the construction of marketing complexes in all the hill districts. These may be replicas of the marketing complex in the Imphal city."