Arunachal: ACB Arrests Another Accused in Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway Scam
Fresh arrest in ₹130 crore compensation scam linked to Arunachal Frontier Highway highlights expanding probe into alleged fraud involving officials and beneficiaries.
ITANAGAR— The Anti-Corruption Bureau ( ACB ) of Arunachal Pradesh has arrested another accused in connection with the alleged multi-crore irregularities in land compensation for the Lada-Sarli stretch of the Arunachal Frontier Highway.
The accused, identified as Karbia Rebe (39), a resident of Rebe village in East Kameng district, was apprehended on March 31 in Itanagar after being summoned for questioning. He was produced before a local court on April 1 and has since been remanded to judicial custody at Jully Jail.
According to ACB officials, Rebe is among the alleged beneficiaries involved in fraudulent activities related to the compensation process. His arrest follows leads obtained during an ongoing investigation into the financial trail of the case. Authorities indicated that further arrests are likely as the probe expands to include both private individuals and government officials, particularly from the District Land Settlement and Revenue department.
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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 National Highway-913. The project is considered strategically significant for enhancing connectivity along the India-China border in East Kameng district.
Investigators have reported instances of inflated compensation claims, inclusion of fake or non-existent assets, and alleged misappropriation of funds. The case has drawn considerable attention due to its scale and the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
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Earlier developments in the investigation include the arrest of former District Land Revenue and Settlement Officer (DLRSO) Takam Kechak in December 2025, followed by a re-arrest in January 2026. Several private individuals, identified as brokers or intermediaries, including Rajo Gyadi, Yayo Yangfo, and Khya Byagang, were also arrested in January for allegedly facilitating bribe transactions amounting to over ₹19 crore in certain segments.
By early February 2026, authorities had arrested at least four individuals and seized approximately ₹11.5 crore in connection with the case.
The ACB has been conducting a package-wise re-verification of land records and compensation claims amid growing public demand for a comprehensive probe. Some civil society groups have called for the investigation to be handed over to central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project remains a key infrastructure initiative in the region, and the alleged irregularities have raised concerns regarding governance and accountability in large-scale public works.
Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing, with further developments expected as the financial trail is examined in greater detail.
