Allegations of a multi-crore scam in Arunachal Pradesh's Fisheries Department have triggered a political storm, with activists and former officials claiming that more than Rs 300 crore may have been siphoned off through fictitious projects, "ghost ponds" and unauthorised financial transactions.
The alleged irregularities, currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Cell (SIC-Vigilance) in Itanagar, are said to have occurred between 2018 and 2024.
According to the Joint Action Committee (JAC) on the Fisheries Scam, suspected irregularities worth around Rs 183 crore have been detected in Kra Daadi district, while another Rs 100 crore-plus is under scrutiny in Lower Subansiri district. The committee alleges that funds earmarked for fisheries development were diverted through fabricated records and non-existent projects.
Thorough probe sought
Former Fisheries Minister and current Chairman of Science and Technology Tage Taki described the allegations as "most unfortunate and painful", asserting that any wrongdoing must be investigated thoroughly.
Taki alleged that certain District Fisheries Development Officers (DFDOs), in collusion with treasury officials, may have siphoned off public funds without the knowledge of the minister, secretary or commissioner concerned.
He said that during his tenure from 2019 to 2024, the Fisheries Department generally received less than Rs 20 crore annually, excluding central schemes. Documents reportedly indicating expenditure of Rs 183 crore in a single district, he said, warranted close scrutiny.
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JAC alleges 'ghost ponds'
Student activist and JAC member Takam Chacha alleged that unauthorised transactions were carried out in Kra Daadi district, particularly in the Palin and Jamin areas.
The issue has also attracted political attention, with local MLA and Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja publicly reacting as questions mount over how such large sums were allegedly released without mandatory approvals.
Local NGOs, student bodies and watchdog groups have claimed that several transactions were executed without the sanction of the minister, secretary or commissioner, raising concerns about financial oversight within the department.
The JAC has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, demanding a transparent and time-bound investigation. The committee has also warned of democratic protests if stringent action is not taken against those responsible.
Taki has denied any involvement in the alleged scam and said he is prepared to cooperate fully with investigators. As the vigilance probe progresses, the case is emerging as one of the biggest alleged financial scandals in Arunachal Pradesh in recent years.
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