June 23, 2020: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh for questioning on Wednesday in connection with misappropriation of government funds worth Rs 332 crore from developments funds between 2009 and 2017, when he was the chairman of the Manipur Development Society.

According to the CBI, Singh, as the chairman of Manipur Development Society from 30 June 2009 to 6 July 2017, in conspiracy with others, misappropriated government funds to the tune of Rs 332 crore out of the total amount of Rs 518 crore.

The CBI had taken over the case involving Ibobi Singh on November 20 last year on the request of the state’s BJP government. In November 2019, the CBI had conducted searches at nine locations in connection with misappropriation of Rs 332 crore involving former Manipur CM O Ibobi Singh and several IAF officers.

The raids were carried out at the official and private residences of former Manipur CM and other suspects in Aizawl, Imphal and Gurgaon.

The summons comes as Manipur is currently in a political turmoil with the government led by N Biren Singh plunged into crisis after nine members of the BJP-led coalition, including four ministers of the National People’s Party (NPP), resigned on June 17. Ibobi Singh has currently staked a claim to form the government in the state along with the NPP.