Tonia Langkam Arrested After 16 Years for Allegedly Defrauding NHB’s Commercial Horticulture Scheme; Remanded to Judicial Custody.
Guwahati/Itanagar – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 13 November 2025 apprehended Tonia Langkam, an absconding accused, from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The accused was implicated in a case involving the fraudulent availing of government subsidies under the scheme “Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post-Harvest Management” administered by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), Guwahati.
The investigation revealed that Langkam, along with his associates, submitted fraudulent proposals in the names of purported applicants from Lohit, Lower Dibang Valley, and East Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. These falsified applications led to the approval of 173 subsidy proposals. Langkam had been absconding since the filing of the chargesheet in 2009.
The CBI initially registered the case on 30 April 2007, based on source information regarding the submission of fake applications and supporting documents. The investigation indicated that these documents were fabricated at the residence of accused Tarik Tolam in Guwahati, with the assistance of local youths, under the supervision and direction of Tonia Langkam and his network, with the objective of unlawfully obtaining government subsidies.
The chargesheet in the case was filed on 21 December 2009 against Tonia Langkam and other accused under the relevant provisions of law. Despite the passage of over 16 years, the CBI continued its investigation and, relying on updated intelligence, successfully located and apprehended the accused in Itanagar.
Following his arrest, Langkam was produced before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge for CBI Cases, Guwahati, which remanded him to judicial custody. CBI officials confirmed that legal proceedings against the accused will continue and further investigation will focus on identifying and apprehending any remaining accomplices.
Experts note that such subsidy frauds undermine the credibility of government schemes designed to support farmers and entrepreneurs. NHB’s commercial horticulture scheme is intended to provide financial assistance to facilitate agricultural and post-harvest development. The arrest sends a clear message that misuse of government funds and fraudulent activities will face strict enforcement.
The CBI investigation also highlighted the involvement of a local network of youths and accomplices, who played a critical role in the fabrication of documents and submission of fraudulent applications. The arrest of Tonia Langkam is expected to strengthen the agency’s ability to conclude a long-pending case efficiently and transparently.
According to the agency, this apprehension not only prevents further misuse of subsidies but also serves as a deterrent for future fraudulent claims under government schemes, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in public welfare programs.
In summary, the arrest of Tonia Langkam, after being absconding for over 16 years, underscores the CBI’s capacity to trace and apprehend fugitives even in long-standing cases. The action reflects the agency’s commitment to ensuring that government resources are protected and that fraudulent practices are dealt with through the judicial process, maintaining trust in public welfare initiatives.
