MNF Legal Board Calls for CBI Investigation into Lengpui Land Acquisition Scandal
The Legal Board of the Mizo National Front (MNF) has formally appealed to Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, who also serves as the chief vigilance officer, to take immediate action regarding alleged corruption and criminal conspiracy in the Lengpui land deal. In a significant development, the board has specifically requested that Meena recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the land acquisition and compensation disbursement processes for the Indian Air Force (IAF) project located near Aizawl.
Allegations of Systemic Corruption and Abuse of Power
In a detailed representation signed by Lalpianfela Chawngthu, the vice chairman of the MNF legal board, the party has asserted that this case transcends mere administrative lapses. According to the document, it represents systemic corruption involving the abuse of constitutional office, which potentially violates the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and other related statutes. The letter emphasizes that the alleged scam implicates high-ranking officials, including the Chief Minister, the revenue minister, senior bureaucrats, and politically connected private individuals.
Given the involvement of such prominent figures, the MNF Legal Board argues that no investigation conducted by any state agency can genuinely inspire public confidence. The board contends that only an independent inquiry by the CBI would be capable of uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability in this matter.
Legal and Jurisdictional Challenges in Seeking CBI Intervention
The representation highlights a critical legal hurdle in pursuing a CBI investigation. It notes that Mizoram initially granted general consent for CBI probes through a notification dated December 28, 2023. This was followed by a Government of India notification on February 19, 2024. However, in a subsequent move on June 27, 2024, the state government withdrew this general consent and restricted the CBI's jurisdiction. Under the new framework, the CBI now requires prior state approval to investigate matters involving state-controlled public servants.
Consequently, as Chawngthu pointed out, the authority to mandate a CBI investigation now rests squarely with the state government. This legal context adds a layer of complexity to the MNF's demand, making the chief secretary's role pivotal in initiating any potential probe.
Specific Accusations Regarding the Land Deal Process
The MNF Legal Board has leveled serious allegations against the handling of the Lengpui land acquisition. According to their representation, the deal involves:
- Grave corruption and abuse of constitutional authority
- Criminal conspiracy among officials and private individuals
- Large-scale misappropriation of public funds estimated at approximately Rs. 188 crore
The board claims that the disclosed facts reveal not just procedural irregularities, but a deliberate and coordinated operation designed to unlawfully divert public money to private parties who had no legitimate entitlement. This alleged scheme, they argue, was politically controlled and executed with precision.
Timeline and Procedural Irregularities Highlighted
The representation provides a detailed timeline that raises questions about the legality of the acquisition process:
- A preliminary notification was issued on May 15, 2025, by the secretary of the state land revenue & settlement department, stating that the acquisition would be governed by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act).
- The final notification was issued on July 22, 2025, just one day after the Chief Minister personally approved the disbursement of compensation.
- Remarkably, on July 24, 2025, merely two days after the final notification, the final award for the entire amount was issued.
This sequence resulted in the entire process—from preliminary notification to final award—being completed in approximately 70 days. The MNF Legal Board asserts that such a rapid timeline is virtually impossible under the RFCTLARR Act if the procedures were followed lawfully. They argue that this expedited process indicates that statutory authorities acted under direct political command, effectively reducing district collectors and revenue officials to mere instruments of the political executive.
The call for a CBI investigation underscores growing concerns about transparency and accountability in land acquisition processes in Mizoram, particularly for critical national projects like the IAF facility. The outcome of this demand could have significant implications for governance and anti-corruption efforts in the state.
