Imphal, October 25: Voluntary Educational Development Social and Cultural Organisation (VEDSCO) has strongly refuted the allegation of the Fact Finding Committee that around Rs 2.67 lakhs had been swindled as kick backs in the process of acquiring land for construction of the proposed 100-bedded district hospital at Khangabok in Thoubal district.

Addressing a press conference at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, publicity secretary of the Organisation L Binoy Singh said that the allegation was baseless and unfounded.

Instead of receiving kick backs, one cultivator, identified Rameshwor Singh has approached VEDSCO for assistance with the complaint that he has not been given Rs 3.09 lakhs by the Department concerned for acquiring land measuring point 1.15, which is part of his paddy field, Binoy said.

He asserted that it is VEDSCO, Khangabok in association with leaders of other social organisations in Thoubal district which had been exerting pressure on the Government for setting up the hospital since 2003.After the Government conceded to the demand, VEDSCO had only extended its help in acquring the required land, he said, adding that the Organisation has no involvement in any of the official works related to demarcation of the land, which was done by the Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal and disbursement of compensation amount.

It was agreed at the time of acquiring the land that the cultivators concerned would be paid Rs 1.95 lakhs per Sangam of the paddy field acquired, and all concerned might have got their compensation, he said.

However, it was rather unfortunate that a self styled convenor of the Fact Finding Committee identified as N Priyokumar who had verified and put his own signature after conducting a proper re-demarcation of the acquired land for the last time while he was the secretary general of VEDSCO should go back on his words and try to mislead the people.

All the relevant documents of the matter may be seen from VEDSCO president, Binoy said, adding that the organisation has taken serious note of the allegation and would see what action could be initiated against Priyokumar.

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