In a recent development, Jonai Police, operating under the jurisdiction of Dhemaji district, Assam, intercepted a vehicle heading from Itanagar towards Pasighat, seizing a significant amount of Rs. 50,00,000/- (Fifty lakhs) at approximately 11 am today. The vehicle, bearing the registration number AR 09C-1668 from East Siang district, Pasighat, is reportedly registered under the name of Mrs. Okyam Panyang, spouse of Shri Olom Panyang, a candidate representing the BJP in the 40th Mariyang-Geku Assembly constituency.
Authorities suspect the seized funds were intended for election-related activities in the aforementioned constituency, situated in the Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. When questioned regarding the seizure amidst the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, Pranjit Lahkar, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Jonai, clarified that the individual transporting the money, Bebet Panyang, claimed it was intended for disbursing payments to laborers engaged in construction projects ahead of Eid Al Fitr, scheduled for April 11th. Lahkar further stated that the seized funds would remain in police custody until the conclusion of the elections, or the owner could retrieve them through proper procedure if their explanation is deemed legitimate.
However, insider sources have revealed that Bebet Panyang, allegedly affiliated with BJP MLA candidate Olom Panyang, is not employed as a contractor, raising suspicions that the seized funds were indeed intended for electioneering purposes. If proven true, such an allegation could tarnish the reputation of state BJP officials, particularly Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who has repeatedly urged the public to reject the culture of monetary influence in electoral politics.
