Manipur Govt. orders probe into CCTV scam

The newly-formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government in Manipur has ordered a probe into the CCTV scam.

These cameras were installed at the Raj Bhavan, the Chief Minister's bungalow and bazar areas respectively.

It is alleged that they have not been functional since their installation in 2009-10 and 2010-2011.

An inquiry committee consisting of Additional DGP Pramod Ashthana as the chairman and Sumant Singh (IAS), Secretary of RD and PR, and Inspector General of Police Clay Khongsai as the members has been formed to conduct the inquiry.

The inquiry committee will probe the process of procurement and installation and commissioning of the CCTV cameras to ascertain the facts and find the officers responsible for the lapses if any, said an order issued by Additional Chief Secretary Dr Suresh Babu.

The Committee will submit its report within 15 days.

According to reports, the Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) clause was found missing in the contract signed with the firm, which supplied and installed the CCTV cameras.

Earlier in 2014, an independent investigation conducted by The Sangai Express revealed that the state government after already spending around Rs. eight crore in procuring and installing the CCTV cameras had initiated due procedures to sanction additional amount to the police department so as to repair the CCTV cameras and make them functional.