Rs 300-crore fisheries scam allegations rock Arunachal; ‘ghost ponds’ used to siphon funds, claims JAC

A major controversy has erupted in Arunachal Pradesh after allegations surfaced of large-scale financial irregularities in the Fisheries Department, with activists and former officials claiming that over Rs 300 crore may have been siphoned off through fictitious projects and unauthorized transactions.

 

According to members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) on the Fisheries Scam, irregularities amounting to approximately Rs 183 crore in Kra Daadi district and over Rs 100 crore in Lower Subansiri district have been detected. The alleged scam reportedly involved the creation of "ghost ponds" and non-existent fisheries projects to divert public funds.

 

The matter is currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Cell (SIC-Vigilance), Itanagar, with the case reportedly dating back to the period between 2018 and 2024.

 

Speaking to India Today, former Fisheries Minister and current Chairman of Science and Technology, Tage Taki, termed the allegations "most unfortunate and painful." He alleged that certain District Fisheries Development Officers (DFDOs), in collusion with treasury officials, siphoned off large sums from the state exchequer without the knowledge of the minister, secretary, or commissioner concerned.

 

Taki stated that during his tenure from 2019 to 2024, the Fisheries Department generally received less than Rs 20 crore annually, apart from central schemes. He said documents reportedly uncovered during audits indicating expenditures of Rs 183 crore in a single district warrant a thorough investigation and strict action against those found responsible.

 

Meanwhile, student activist and JAC member Takam Chacha alleged that the scam involved unauthorized financial transactions carried out by departmental and treasury officials in Kra Daadi district, particularly in the Palin and Jamin areas.

 

The issue has also drawn political attention, with Balo Raja, the local MLA and Urban Affairs Minister, publicly reacting as scrutiny intensifies over how such substantial funds were allegedly disbursed without ministerial approval.

 

According to allegations raised by local NGOs, student organizations, and public watchdog groups, funds earmarked for fisheries development were diverted through non-existent projects and fabricated records. Reports suggest that several transactions may have been executed without obtaining the mandatory approvals from the minister, secretary, or commissioner.

 

The Joint Action Committee recently submitted a memorandum to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, demanding a transparent and time-bound investigation into the matter. The committee has also warned of democratic protests if stringent action is not taken against those found guilty.

 

Former minister Tage Taki has denied any involvement in the alleged scam and stated that he is willing to cooperate fully with any inquiry. As the SIC-Vigilance investigation progresses, the alleged fisheries scam is emerging as one of the most significant financial controversies in Arunachal Pradesh in recent years.