ITANAGAR, 24 Aug: Former Pakke-Kessang MLA Techi Hemu has lodged an FIR against the Public Works Department (PWD) secretary and the PWD western zone chief engineer (CE), alleging suppression and manipulation of official records, destruction of documents, and criminal misconduct in connection with the 62-km improvement/upgradation of the Pakke-Seijosa-Itakhola road project, sanctioned under the North Eastern Council (NEC).

Addressing the media at the Arunachal Press Club on Monday, Hemu alleged that official correspondence and records relating to the project were deliberately withheld or manipulated to conceal alleged irregularities in its implementation. He went on to claim that he had earlier sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, regarding the execution of the NEC-funded project.

He stated that the PWD's response, along with documents furnished under the RTI process, raised questions over the implementation of the road project. Following the RTI response, Hemu said he approached the vigilance secretary, seeking an inquiry into the alleged irregularities involving PWD officials.

He said also that the Vigilance Department subsequently sought comments and a point-wise response from the PWD on the allegations. However, despite repeated communications, the required response was allegedly not submitted within the stipulated timeframe.

"No such comments or point-wise reply had been furnished to the Vigilance Department till the filing of the police complaint," Hemu alleged.

He further claimed that, when clarification was sought on the matter, the PWD principal secretary produced a forwarding letter dated 5 September, 2025. He alleged that the western zone CE subsequently denied receiving communication purportedly issued by the principal secretary in connection with the vigilance proceedings.

Alleging that suppression, destruction, or manipulation of official records could attract relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the former MLA urged the police to examine the relevant PWD and vigilance records, establish whether official documents were deliberately suppressed or manipulated, and investigate the alleged irregularities in the road project.

He also sought appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible following the investigation.

This daily was unable to get an official response from the PWD department on the issue.