Court frames cheating charges against ex-Rajya Sabha MP

A court here has framed cheating and criminal misconduct charges against former Rajya Sabha member from Mizoram Lalhmingh Liana, who was accused in a leave travel concession (LTC) case.

The Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge Gurdeep Singh on Wednesday framed charges dealing with cheating and forgery under the Indian Penal Code and criminal misconduct under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.

Liana, a leader of Mizo National Front, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2002-14.

The court posted the matter for September 18.

The case pertains to Liana's second term from July 19, 2008 to July 14, 2014.

The CBI has alleged that while Liana was MP he submitted reimbursement of travelling allowance (TA) bills, which were fake and claimed excess amount than the actual amount paid by him for travel in Air India's companion free scheme (CFS).

It was alleged that accused got 26 main tickets issued and also got 26 CFS tickets on the basis of main tickets.

Public prosecutor K.P. Singh has told the court that the accused claimed full amount of main ticket for companion free ticket and thereby he claimed excess of Rs.10,38,553 from the Rajya Sabha, which he actually did not pay and thereby, cheated the Rajya Sabha.

The court, observing the material collected by prosecution and statements of witnesses, said: "I am of the opinion that the accused by submitting TA bills of the amount, which he actually had not paid and fraudulently and dishonestly induced the government to pay the amount to him as reimbursement, thereby, cheated the government and committed an offence punishable under Section 420 (cheating) IPC."

The court also observed that the accused has forged the travel ticket and companion ticket and it was done when Liana was a member of the Rajya Sabha and committed criminal misconduct by corrupt and illegal means obtained for himself pecuniary advantage.

The order was made available on Thursday.