The Supreme Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations that government contracts in Arunachal Pradesh were illegally awarded to companies linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s family.
The complaint relates to Public Works Department (PWD) contracts valued at Rs 1,270 crore, which were allegedly given without following proper tender procedures. The petition claims the beneficiaries included firms owned by the Chief Minister’s wife, mother and other relatives.
The matter reached the apex court through a public interest litigation filed by non-governmental organisations. The petition specifically named companies such as Brand Eagles and Alliance, said to be owned by Khandu’s mother Rinzin and relative Shering Dashi.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and Justice Anjaria directed the CBI to examine whether four family-linked firms received contracts over the past 10 years, and said earlier years could also be looked into if required.
The court asked the CBI to submit a status report within 16 weeks, clarifying whether a full criminal investigation is warranted, and directed the state government to extend full cooperation to the inquiry.
