Arunachal CM Warns of Stern Action in Sarli-Lada Compensation Scam, Says ‘Corruption Won’t Be Tolerated’

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reaffirmed his government’s firm commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring that strict action will be taken against all individuals involved in the alleged compensation disbursement scam associated with the Sarli–Lada stretch of the Frontier Highway project in East Kameng district. The Chief Minister stated that the issue has been taken very seriously by the state government, given the magnitude of the alleged irregularities in the land compensation process.

Khandu revealed that the state government had constituted a High-Level Committee (HLC) to investigate the matter as soon as the allegations surfaced. The committee, comprising senior officials from various departments, was tasked with conducting a thorough probe into the alleged manipulation and misuse of compensation funds meant for land acquisition along the project stretch. According to Khandu, the committee has already submitted its preliminary report to the government, outlining initial findings and recommendations for action against those involved.

The Chief Minister said that based on the committee’s early observations, several officials have been identified as being directly or indirectly involved in the scam. “At the initial stage itself, we directed the committee to suspend all officials found involved in this scam. The suspension orders will be issued within a day or two,” Khandu stated, emphasizing that the government will not shield anyone, irrespective of their rank or position. He assured the public that appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken against all guilty parties once the final report is submitted.

Reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, Khandu stressed that corruption in any form undermines public trust and development. “Our government is transparent and inclusive, and corruption at any level will not be tolerated,” he said. The Chief Minister added that there were numerous complaints regarding irregularities in land compensation disbursements along the Sarli–Lada section of the Frontier Highway project, which prompted the government to take swift and decisive action by ordering a full-scale investigation.

Khandu further highlighted that the Frontier Highway project is one of the most crucial infrastructure initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at improving connectivity in remote border areas. He said such projects represent the future of the state’s progress and must not be tarnished by corruption or malpractice. “Development funds are meant to benefit the people, not to enrich a few through illegal means,” he said, adding that the government will ensure every rupee allocated for development is utilized properly and transparently.

The Chief Minister also called upon all government officers and departments to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism while handling public projects. He reiterated that the government is fully committed to good governance and accountability and that such incidents of corruption will not be allowed to derail the state’s development agenda.

In conclusion, Pema Khandu assured the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh that justice will be delivered and that those found guilty in the Sarli–Lada compensation scam will face strict legal and administrative consequences. He reaffirmed his government’s determination to uphold transparency, protect public interest, and ensure that all developmental projects in the state are executed with honesty, efficiency, and fairness.