Scam unearthed in Shimla’s Theog; on papers, tankers fetched water with govt cars, bikes number

All India Congress Committee spokesperson and Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore has asked the state government to expedite the investigation into an alleged water supply scam in his constituency and take strict action against those found guilty.

The alleged scam was unearthed by former Theog MLA Rakesh Singha, who on the basis of RTI information, has alleged serious irregularities in water supply in the area last summer. Singha has alleged that the registration number of vehicles used for water supply turned out to be those of motorcycles, cars, including a vehicle belonging to a senior government official, instead of water tankers.

Additionally, water supply through tankers has been shown for two villages that lack approach roads. “Every year, around Rs 10 to 12 lakh are spent to provide water supply to the people in Theog via tankers. The amount reached Rs 1.13 crore in 2024,” said Singha, alleging a scam.

Taking note of the allegations and the information procured through RTI, Rathore said he had instructed the Sub Divisional Magistrate Theog, the Executive Engineer of Irrigation and Public Health as well as the Deputy Commissioner Shimla, to investigate the matter thoroughly. Reiterating that corruption would not be tolerated at any level, Rathore said prime facie there seemed some irregularities but the full facts would emerge once the investigation report was complete. Assuring that guilty would not be spared, Rathore submitted a memorandum to the Chief Secretary regarding this matter and demanded the state government to take action in this matter.