FIR lodged against Neiphiu Rio for alleged fake certificate

Morung Express: Kohima: Monday, 15 February 2016.

After Chief Minister TR Zeliang, now Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio is facing allegation of producing fake educational qualification certificate. The allegation was based on RTI replies from the Chief Electoral Officer, Kohima and the Principal, Kohima College.

According to a note from Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) Nagaland Unit, an FIR was lodged at South Police Station, Kohima in this regard on February 11. The note stated that the FIR was filed by two persons “against Mr. Neiphiu Rio for submitting a false/Fake Graduation certificate at the time of filing of Nomination Papers for the election to lone Lok Sabha Seat in March, 2014.” The nomination papers filed by Rio stated that his educational qualification is BA Honours in Pol. Science and that he passed out from Kohima Arts College under NEHU, the note added.

The Kohima police when contacted confirmed receipt of the FIR. The Superintendent of Police, Kohima said that police are inquiring into the said FIR received at South PS.

The RTI replies from Chief Electoral Officer, Kohima dated 5.12.15 and from the Principal Kohima College dated 18.12.15 “reveals that on 19.10.15 Mr. Neiphiu Rio had submitted an application to the Chief Election Officer regarding his educational qualification as entered in the Nomination papers aforementioned. The said application enclosed an affidavit executed on 9.10.15 and Corrigendum issued by the Principal of Kohima College bearing NO.

KCK/CERT/2012/235 dated 9.10.15 and another Pass Certificate issued by the Principal of the said College dated 9.10.15 stating that Mr. Neiphiu Rio graduated in the Pass Course.”

The HRLN’s note alleged that the Lok Sabha MP has “wilfully and deliberately indulged in procuring false/fake documents and sworn a false affidavit” with the objective of “holding himself out to be a person having a higher educational qualification.” The complainants submitted that the MP has allegedly committed offences under the IPC and the Representation of the Peoples Act and that appropriate action be initiated against him.

Repeated attempts to reach Rio’s press secretary as well as his office were unsuccessful.