ACB registers case against former Chief Engineer, HCC over Mughal Road Project irregularities
Srinagar, Nov 12, KNT: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against Raman Puri, former Chief Engineer of the Mughal Road Project, and others for alleged irregularities in the construction of Mughal Road from Bufliaz to Shopian-Pulwama. The case was filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act following a verification conducted by the ACB.
The ACB said that the investigation revealed that Puri had allegedly admitted claims made by M/s Hindustan Construction Company Ltd, which were contested by the department. This led to significant financial losses for the government. The contract for the project was awarded to M/s Hindustan Construction Company Ltd in 2006 for Rs 214.40 crore, with a completion date set for 2009. However, the project was delayed, and the company was granted extensions until 2012.
Further investigation showed that Puri had meetings with representatives of M/s Hindustan Construction Company Ltd outside his office, violating codal procedures, and signed a letter agreeing to prior escalation clauses, resulting in an arbitration award of Rs 21.52 crore and Rs 11.27 crore in favor of the company. This led to undue benefits for the company and prevented the imposition of liquidated damages worth ₹54 crore.
The ACB subsequently registered a case against Puri, M/s Hindustan Construction Company Ltd, and others under multiple sections of law. ACB said that further investigation is in progress. [KNT]
