Itanagar: Former All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) president Hawa Bagang has accused incumbent Chayangtajo MLA Hayeng Mangfi of using fraudulent means to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to waive off Rs 34 crores in loaned interest from the Apex bank.
Bagang, who is also a candidate for the 9th Chayangtajo Assembly Constituency in the upcoming 2024 assembly election, made these allegations during a press conference here.
According to Bagang, Mangfi obtained a loan of Rs 17 crores from the bank in 2013 against his land allotment, with Rs 10 crores disbursed in 2013 and another Rs 7 crores in 2016. However, due to non-payment of interest, the total amount peaked to Rs 34 crores.
“Despite not clearing the outstanding interest or the principal amount, Mangfi obtained a false NOC from the Itanagar branch manager of the Apex bank to waive off his interest amount,” he said alleged.
Bagang further questioned the integrity of the bank officials for failing to recover the loan amount, claiming that such misconduct has previously led to the collapse of the Apex bank.
He appealed to the authorities to take measures to recover the outstanding Rs. 34 crore in unpaid interest on the Rs. 17 crore loan.
Bagang also alleged that the land mortgaged against the loaned amount does not exist. He called for immediate action from the state government, the court, and the bank officials to recover the public money.
The former student leader also urged the BJP party authorities to suspend any political endorsements and ticket allocations to Mangfi until the entire due interest is settled.
In response, Mangfi stated that the mentioned amount was a subsidy for a housing project that could not be implemented due to certain circumstances. He claimed that he, along with his group of friends, returned the entire amount received from the bank in installments, based on agreements made with the bank.
Mangfi emphasized that the matter is sub-judice, and third parties should refrain from interfering. He denied Bagang’s claims, stating that there is no truth to them.
The MLA further explained that the disbursement and repayment of the amount to the bank were made before he became MLA, and therefore, there should be no disqualification from contesting as an MLA based on Bagang’s claims.
Mangfi mentioned that his settlement with the bank to sell the mortgaged land located at Jullang was the reason why he could not repay the amount on time.
He expressed willingness to accept the court’s direction, which is expected on April 12.
Also read: Khandu praises PM Modi for development focus in Arunachal
