The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Meghalaya on Thursday as part of a money laundering probe into alleged misappropriation of funds at the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).

The raids, the first undertaken by the federal probe agency’s sub zonal office in Shillong, were carried out after registering a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the state.

At least five premises in Tura under the West Garo Hills district were raided, officials said, adding that the probe relates to the alleged non-execution of developmental works and misappropriation of funds allocated for the development of the Asanang constituency under the GHADC.

According to officials, out of a total allocation of Rs 28.66 crore, members of the committee, in collusion with certain contractors, “diverted” and “misused” the funds in contravention of established rules and procedures.

Instances have been noticed where 60 per cent of the sanctioned funds were “irregularly” released to contractors Kubon Sangma and Nikseng Sangma, contrary to the applicable rules and provisions as advance.

Acting under the directions of one Ismail Marak, multiple cheques were issued in their names and subsequently, Kubon Sangma withdrew the entire amount and handed it over to Marak, while Nikseng Sangma transferred his share directly to the bank account as directed.