CHB officials spar over corruption charges

Chandigarh, June 14

The Chandigarh Housing Board witnessed another fight between its officers. This time, SDO Kailash Garg sought security from the SSP’s office, fearing that he might be killed by Chief Engineer Rajiv Singla. Garg said he sought security as he had made allegations of corruption against Singla. He said he would come to the office under police security from Monday.

As per sources, in an eight-page complaint to the Chief Executive Officer of the CHB, he levelled various allegations against Singla. Garg alleged that Singla installed items of a company in one of the projects and no other firm was called to participate in tender process.

On the other hand, Chief Engineer Rajiv Singla refused to comment on the issue and said that he had already submitted his reply to the higher authorities.

However, sources said Singla has also levelled many charges against Garg. Singla, while denying allegations of using items of only one firm in a project, replied that the preferred brand of the material was always proposed at the level of the Subdivisonal Engineer/Executive Engineer and the scrutiny of the Superintending Engineer and Chief Engineer is forwarded to the competent authority. So, recommendations for approval are made after scrutiny at different levels. Singla said that Garg himself recommended the use of a single brand while the board had approved two brands.

Harish Nayyar, CEO of the CHB, said he received the complaints from both officers and the any action will be taken after verifying the facts. — TNS