Cong forms panel to probe allegations of corruption

Guwahati: With the panchayat polls in Assam just days away, Congress on Saturday constituted an inquiry committee to investigate allegations of corruption, internal sabotage and misconduct.

Senior party leader and former Union minister Paban Singh Ghatowar will head the three-member panel, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah said in an order.

It said that "allegations pertaining to corruption, internal sabotage and misconduct" are being viewed with "utmost gravity" by the party. "Upholding our commitment to transparency, accountability and internal discipline, the party has resolved to ensure that those found guilty face exemplary consequences," the order said.

The panel was formed in accordance with the directive of AICC general secretary and the state's in-charge Jitendra Singh, with ex-MP RP Sarmah and APCC vice-president Bobbeeta Sharma as members.

The mandate of the committee includes investigating all complaints received by the party relating irregularities in ticket distribution, allegations of cash-for-ticket deals, deliberate walkovers extended to opposition candidates, unexplained withdrawal of nominations and any other anti-party acts.

PTI