Lalhruaitluangi, a businesswoman dealing in Area nuts has filed an FIR against Champhai Deputy Commissioner Maria CT Zuali.
On 18th December 2021, Champhai DC, Maria CT Zuali and other officials seized 150 bags of Areca Nut near Kelkang village in Champhai District which were later burnt. According to reports, a total of 9 trucks carrying areca nuts were stopped for inspection but 4 trucks were inspecter while 5 trucks escaped. The DC clarified that the bags were taken for contraband inspection.
Lalhruaitluangi, a resident of Chaltlang and the owner the seized goods filed an FIR at Champhai Police Station and the case was registered under IPC Sec 427 (Mischief causing damage) IPC Sec 435 (mischief caused by fire) and IPC Sec 341 (wrongful restraint). The damaged goods were reported to be worth Rs. 15 lakh. However, Maria CT Zuali, the DC, reported that the names of truck owners changed at every interrogation which raises certain suspicions.
Last month, in an official order issued from the office of the Deputy Commissioner Champhai District, Maria CT Zuali stated that restrictions will be tightened regarding to combat the rampant smuggling of areca nuts and other illegal businesses. The order also mentions that metalled roads in Champhai district have suffered severe damage on account of the heavy trucks carrying areca nuts.
In light of recent events, many have shown their support and solidarity with Champhai DC on different social media platforms with hashtags like #IstandwithchamphaiDC and Facebook posts.
