ITANAGAR, OCT 9:
The Planning and Investment Department of the Arunachal Pradesh government has cautioned the public against fraudsters allegedly soliciting money, commissions or bribes in the name of department officials on the false pretext of securing approval for government schemes and programmes or the release of funds.
The department has advised members of the public, community organisations, contractors and beneficiaries not to fall for such claims or make payments, transfer funds, share banking credentials or hand over cash to anyone promising official approval, favourable consideration or expedited processing.
It warned that fraudsters may use false assurances, fabricated documents, unofficial identity cards, forged signatures or claims of special access to mislead people and collect illegal gratification.
The department said information regarding government schemes and programmes should be verified only through official communications and directly with the Planning and Investment Department. Any demand for money, gifts, favours or commissions in exchange for sanction or processing should be treated as suspicious and potentially unlawful under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other applicable Central and State laws.
Citizens have been urged to preserve relevant evidence, including phone numbers, messages, screenshots, bank account details, receipts, documents, and the date and place of contact. Anyone receiving such a demand or having information about an attempted fraud has been asked to report it immediately to the jurisdictional police station, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) through WhatsApp at 9436040040, or the Planning and Investment Department.
The department said prompt reporting would help verify complaints, prevent further victimisation and initiate action in accordance with the law. It added that all complaints would be treated confidentially.
The press release also stated that the State Government had operationalised the Lokayukta, upgraded the Anti-Corruption Bureau and introduced e-Office across all departments to promote transparency and accountability in government functioning. The government remains committed to taking further measures to strengthen its efforts against corruption and fraud.
