ZODIN SANGA
AIZAWL, May 17: After stumbling
upon a new building allegedly owned by
Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana,
PRISM (People’s Representative for Identity
& Status of Mizoram) has questioned
the source of the rapid increase of his
wealth during the last three elections.
PRISM members who distributed pamphlets
recently came across the five-story
building belonging to the Home Minister
at Durtlang Mel 5 neighbourhood that prompted the corruption watchdogturned-political
party to delve into the declaration
of assets of Lalzirliana before elections,
only to discover that his wealth has
skyrocketed during the ten years.
“We have come to the conclusion that
Home Minister R Lalzirliana has accumulated
wealth disproportionate to his
known sources of income,” PRISM general
secretary SL Ngursailova said.
According to the affidavits filed by Lalzirliana
before 2003 election, he had assets
worth Rs 49,19,882, including Rs 17 lakh in
banks, four buildings and two vehicles.
According to PRISM, Lalzirliana’s
wealth skyrocketed to Rs 1,73,35,000
according to his own declaration of assets
before the 2008 elections.
“Before 2008 elections, Lalzirliana had
Rs 11,85,000 in banks, and four vehicles.
While the number of buildings he owned
decreased to one, which was worth Rs 15
crore, he owned five plots of land worth a
total of Rs 11.50 lakh. His total wealth
came to the tune of Rs 1,73,35,000,”
PRISM general secretary said.
Lalzirliana’s net worth jumped further
to Rs 6,48,15,000 before 2013 election.
“According to the affidavits filed by him
before 2013 election, Lalzirliana had Rs
51,55,000 in banks, two vehicles and
buildings worth Rs 5.5 crore. Lalzirliana’s
wealth increased in ten years to the tune
of Rs 5,98,95,118,” he said.
“We are not sure how expensive is the
Home Minister’s residence at Armed
Veng locality, we have estimated the value
of his house at Durtlang Mel 5 to be Rs
150 lakh,” PRISM general secretary said.
PRISM asked from which source of income
that Lalzirliana had built such an
expensive building, whereas his total annual
income from known sources is Rs
52,80,000. PRISM alleged the Home Minister
has clearly violated sections 13 (i)
and (e) of Prevention of Corruption Act,
1988, and demanded that he clarify on the
sources of his income.
“The Home Minister must prove himself
not guilty of corruption failing which
he will be jailed when PRISM comes to
power,” Ngursailova said.
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