Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has declared a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, vowing strict action against those found guilty in connection with an alleged ₹130 crore land compensation scam linked to the Arunachal Frontier Highway (AFH) project.
The allegations concern irregularities in land compensation for the Lada–Sarli stretch of the Frontier Highway in East Kameng district. This highway is a crucial component of India's border infrastructure network. The 1,748 km Arunachal Frontier Highway spans across 12 districts and is a strategic infrastructure project intended to improve connectivity along the India-China border. It operates under the Bharatiya Sadak Parishad initiative. Concerns have been raised that corruption and financial mismanagement could delay the project's completion and undermine the state's credibility.
During a press briefing on Friday, Chief Minister Khandu announced the formation of a high-level probe team. The committee comprises senior officials from vigilance, land revenue, and implementation departments. The Chief Minister has emphasized his government's commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in all development projects.
Social activist Sol Dodum earlier alleged massive fraud, claiming that compensation meant for local landowners had been siphoned off through inflated valuations and fake claims. Dodum highlighted discrepancies such as bills raised for constructing a futsal ground in dense forest areas without proper access roads or electrical infrastructure. He also alleged that some individuals lacking formal land ownership documentation received compensation, while genuine beneficiaries were excluded. In some instances, beneficiaries entitled to ₹2.30 crore reportedly received only ₹30 lakh.
These revelations have triggered widespread public outrage. Seventy-eight Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) from East Kameng district have demanded the immediate suspension of key district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and the District Land Resources and Settlement Officer (DLRSO). Civil society groups like the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) and the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) have echoed these demands, calling for a vigilance-led investigation to restore public trust.
Responding to the mounting pressure, Khandu confirmed that preliminary suspension orders would be issued soon. He stated that anyone found complicit will face the full force of the law. A reassessment team had visited East Kameng earlier this month to verify compensation claims. The committee has already submitted a preliminary report to the state government, which is currently under examination.
The controversy centers around packages 1, 3, and 4 of the highway segment, which cover areas from Lada (Bichom) to Sarli (Kurung Kumey). These packages reportedly involve misallocation of funds intended for land acquisition and infrastructure development, leading to significant financial irregularities.
