Arunachal: ACB Arrests Another Accused in Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway Scam
ACB arrests another accused in ₹130 crore Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway compensation scam in Arunachal Pradesh as probe into irregularities intensifies.
ITANAGAR- The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Arunachal Pradesh has arrested yet another person in connection with the alleged irregularities in land compensation for the Lada-Sarli stretch of the Arunachal Frontier Highway (Package IV to V).
The accused has been identified as Karbia Rebe (39), a resident of Rebe village in East Kameng district. He was apprehended on March 31, 2026, in Itanagar after being summoned for interrogation. Rebe was produced before a local court on April 1 and remanded to judicial custody at Jully Jail.
According to ACB officials, Rebe was one of the beneficiaries allegedly involved in fraudulent activities related to the compensation process. His arrest stems from leads uncovered during the ongoing money trail investigation. Officials have indicated that more arrests are expected in the coming days as the probe intensifies, focusing on both private individuals and government officials, including those from the District Land Settlement and Revenue department.
Also Read- ED Files Fresh Charges in Rs 44.98 Cr TAH Scam
Background of the Scam
The case pertains to alleged large-scale irregularities in the disbursement of approximately ₹130 crore in land compensation for the 125.5-km Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway (part of NH-913), a strategically important border connectivity project in East Kameng district aimed at improving access along the India-China border.
Investigations have revealed claims of inflated compensation awards, fake or non-existent assets, and misappropriation of funds. Earlier in the probe:
- Former District Land Revenue and Settlement Officer (DLRSO) Takam Kechak was arrested in December 2025 (with a re-arrest in January 2026).
- Private brokers/middlemen including Rajo Gyadi, Yayo Yangfo, and Khya Byagang were arrested in January 2026 for allegedly facilitating bribes totaling over ₹19 crore in some segments.
- As of early February 2026, authorities had arrested at least four persons and seized around ₹11.5 crore.
Also Read- Tirap Gets Designated DIPRO After 10 Years
The ACB has been conducting package-wise re-verification of land records and compensation claims amid public demands for a thorough probe. Some civil society groups have even called for handing over the case to central agencies like the CBI and ED for a deeper investigation.
The Lada-Sarli project holds significant importance for border infrastructure development, and the scam has drawn widespread attention due to the alleged involvement of both officials and local beneficiaries.
This latest arrest signals the continuing momentum in the ACB’s crackdown on the high-profile compensation irregularities case.
