By Nipjyoti Kalita || ITANAGAR, Oct 16: The Arunachal Pradesh government has announced the appointment of Justice HK Sarma, a former Judge of the Gauhati High Court, as the Chairman of a Commission of Inquiry to probe inquire into the untimely demise of Tumi Gangkak, the former Under Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).
The Commission has been constituted by the State government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 11 read with Section 3 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952.
The Commission, led by Justice Sarma, will delve into several pivotal aspects of the case, with a focus on examining the investigative procedures carried out by the investigating agencies during the inquiry into Gangkak’s death.
The Commission’s mandate is to determine if due process of law has been followed or not.
Moreover, the Commission will assess whether the preliminary findings and reports related to the case adhere to the established legal norms, ensuring equitable access to justice. It will inquire as to whether the report in the case is in accordance with the set norms of law and to measure to ensure that jiustice is denied to none.
In cases of actions or negligence related to the case, the Commission will investigate and, if necessary, hold officials or individuals responsible.
Furthermore, the Commission will explore the possibility of initiating a fresh investigation by other agencies if circumstances warrant such action.
Justice Sarma’s One-Man Inquiry Commission is expected to present its findings and recommendations within a 60-day period from the date of the Commission’s appointment or the issuance of the notification.
In response to these developments, the Commission has issued a public notice, inviting written statements of facts from various stakeholders, including the State government, district administration, and members of the public, who possess relevant information related to the specified terms of reference.
Those submitting written statements are required to provide a list of witnesses, documents supporting their claims, an affidavit confirming the accuracy of the facts presented, and a soft copy of their written statement in a Word file format. These statements must be submitted within 15 days from the date of the notice’s publication, either in person or via registered post.
Justice Sarma’s Commission is firmly committed to upholding principles of transparency and justice in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of Gangkak, ensuring that justice prevails in this matter.Former Under Secretary of APPSC, Gangkak was found dead in Itanagar under mysterious conditions in late February 2023. His death triggered massive protests demanding a proper probe into his death. The State police started investigation into the matter on the basis of a case registered at Chimpu police station.
