Shillong, May 25 -- Meghalaya's Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma, has called for a thorough investigation into what he describes as a deep-rooted nexus between politicians and bureaucrats in the state, alleging it facilitates illegal activities, particularly coal mining, on an "extraordinary" scale.

Sangma highlighted the recent transfer of the North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner (DC) within 24 hours of her ordering an inquiry into high-value cross-border areca nut smuggling.

He questioned whether the new DC has continued the predecessor's inquiry, emphasizing that an official order constitutes a legal process and bureaucrats cannot be arbitrarily transferred.

"Who transfers a DC? It is not the minister or the deputy chief minister....