The Meghalaya government has sought legal opinion on an order passed by the Meghalaya Lokayukta on a petition, which claimed that several government officials were involved in an inter-state racket involving the smuggling of coal, betel nut and boulders.

On January 9, P.K. Musahary, the chairperson of the Meghalaya Lokayukta, had directed the CBI to conduct an inquiry into the allegations.

The petitioner had alleged that the goods were transported in violation of laws mostly from East Jaiñtia Hills through different checkgates across the international border with Bangladesh by a network of some “dishonest” businessmen in collusion with a few “unscrupulous” civil and police officials.

These officials are allegedly from the departments of mining and geology, transport, supply, sales tax of the state government, and central land customs department.

The petitioner had also provided a list of around 60 officials working both in Meghalaya and Assam whom he alleged were helping unscrupulous elements in illegally transporting coal and other items.

One of the names which featured in the list was that of a private secretary to Meghalaya home minister James K. Sangma.

It was alleged that since 2015, not less than 400 trucks per day were loading coal and illegally transporting them from East Jaiñtia Hills to Assam’s Barak Valley, and from Khliehriat, which is the district headquarters of East Jaiñtia Hills, to Guwahati.

He alleged that some officials of these departments demand and take bribes to allow loaded trucks ply in these areas and even across checkgates without necessary papers and challans.

This has resulted in a loss of revenue estimated at Rs 1,000 crore for the state, he alleged.

“It is alleged that the officials interrupted the valid permit holders in carrying out their business,” the petitioner said.

Musahary had directed the superintendent of police (CBI), Shillong, to launch an inquiry into the matter and submit a preliminary report within 15 days from the date of receipt of necessary papers from the Lokayukta secretary.

He also directed the Meghalaya chief secretary to transfer officials under different departments, mentioned by the petitioner, within 10 days to facilitate an uninterrupted probe by the CBI.

Moreover, the chief secretary was directed to take effective measures to protect the bona fide businessmen and their businesses from unscrupulous officials and racketeers.

Musahary asked the chief secretary to submit a report on the measures taken within 15 days from Thursday.

An official source on Thursday said the government has sent the order for legal opinion.

“The order was passed based on a complaint without any preliminary inquiry,” the source said.