4 years on, Murthal varsity pool scam faces probe by Anti-Corruption Bureau

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has finally initiated a probe into alleged financial irregularities in the construction of a swimming pool at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, nearly four years after the original complaint was filed.

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PP Kapoor, an RTI activist and the complainant, recorded his statement along with supporting evidence before Sub Inspector Jagjeet Singh, the investigating officer, at the ACB office located in the mini secretariat on Tuesday.

“I had filed a complaint on April 3, 2021, through the ACB (then State Vigilance Bureau) toll-free helpline. It's disappointing that the investigation has begun only after four years,” Kapoor said.

In his complaint, Kapoor alleged that the university’s construction division had specified installation of three ‘Pragya Model’ water filters (200 mm diameter, bobbin-bound, anti-corrosive) worth Rs 10.82 lakh each. “But instead, cheaper ‘Emaux’ filters worth Rs 3.20 lakh each were installed,” he said.

“The total cost of the installed filters was Rs 9.60 lakh, but the Measurement Book (MB) falsely showed Rs 32.86 lakh, indicating a scam of over Rs 23 lakh,” Kapoor claimed, adding that 40% of the contractor’s payment was withheld after the matter came to light.

He also alleged that the Detailed Notice Inviting Tender (DNIT) process was manipulated to inflate rates, with prices set up to four times higher than market value for various items like PVC pipes, valve batteries and pumps.

Kapoor said, “Despite spending Rs 6.5 crore, the pool — completed five years ago — has never been opened. It’s now deteriorating due to neglect. No Vice-Chancellor has dared to commission it due to the cloud of corruption.”

He further accused a now-retired Executive Engineer of playing a key role in the scam and claimed the official attempted to pressurise him into withdrawing his complaint.

Dr Ajay Garg, Registrar of DCRUST, confirmed the issue was under review. “The swimming pool has been closed for a long time. The matter was discussed in the Executive Council (EC) meeting about two months ago and approval has been given to open it,” he said.