Probe begins into estimates of MC works in Panipat

Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Panipat, October 23

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday started probe into the estimates of development works, including roads and parks, carried out by the Municipal Corporation (MC) worth Rs 22 crore in the city. Meanwhile, the Directorate, Urban Local Bodies (ULB), has stayed the further process of tenders of Rs 22 crore.

The government also transferred MC Commissioner Pradeep Kumar reportedly after the matter of flouting of norms in issuing tenders came into light.

Former councillors and BJP leaders Dushyant Bhatt and Lokesh Nagroo met Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh on Saturday and alleged corruption in allotment of tenders for roads, parks and other development projects worth Rs 22.50 crore.

They alleged that many development works had already been completed, but MC officials in connivance with some politicians had floated their tenders again. Taking a serious note, Khattar ordered probe into the matter to the Director, ULB.

Following the CM’s order, OP Goyal, Chief Engineer, ULB, Head Office, constituted a three-member SIT comprises Mahipal Singh, Superintending Engineer, MC, Sonepat, Manjeet Dahiya, XEN, MC, Rohtak, and Gaurav Anand, Assistant Engineer, HO, ULB.

Goyal said a three-member team had been constituted to inquire into the estimates on the CM’s directions.

Vishal Seth, technical adviser to the ULB, had sought detailed reports of the estimates and tenders floated in the past one year from the MC on October 7, but the officials were yet to submit the report.

Mahipal Singh, in charge, SIT, said that they had visited several parks in Model Town and Geeta Colony. “The estimates seem to be very high as per the spot inspections,” he said, and added that all estimates would be reassessed and the report would be sent to the headquarters soon.