Shillong, Jan. 31: The arrest of one more person today on charges of distribution of counterfeit notes gave the BJP more ammunition against the D.D. Lapang government in poll-bound Meghalaya.

The party demanded a full-fledged inquiry into allegations that a section of politicians could be using fake notes to fund its election campaign.

Police refused to disclose the identity of the accused, but said the arrested person was from Manipur.

He was picked up from the West Khasi Hills district for his alleged involvement in a fake currency racket. On Tuesday, the police had arrested another suspect from Shillong, a resident of Boko in Assam.

With Assembly elections drawing near, party leaders are accused of seeking help of those involved in circulation of fake notes, to buy votes in villages.

“It is wrong to bracket all leaders in this category. If the allegations are genuine, the government should come clean about it with a statement after a thorough inquiry,” BJP legislator A.L. Hek said.

East Khasi Hills superintendent of police A.R. Mawthoh said, “In the past, we received similar complaints but could not substantiate the charges against the accused”.

A police officer said small-time businessmen could hire people to mix fake notes with original ones to pay debts and repay loans.

Pre-poll violence

Supporters of Congress candidate Sniawbhalang Dhar allegedly torched the vehicle of Roland Shylla at Wahijer in the Jaintia Hills last night.

Roland may contest either on an NCP ticket or as an Independent from Nangbah-Wahijer.

Sonia move: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has appointed Oris Syiem Myriaw as PCC working president to revamp the party, sources said today.

The appointment is with immediate effect.