Bangalore, August 6, 2013: Yet another scam has surfaced in the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) where an assistant engineer has sold 22.88 tonnes of steel scrap recovered after demolishing a portion of the Jayanagara shopping complex and Puttanna theatre and, allegedly swindled the money.
The assistant engineer M Raghu is also facing an inquiry pertaining to swindling at least Rs 30 lakh by creating fake bank accounts in the names of some non-existent contractors.
Following a complaint by the Yediyur corporator N R Ramesh, the BBMP commissioner M Lakshminarayana has ordered an inquiry against Raghu and a few other Palike officials in regard to the scarp sale allegations.
Ramesh said the BBMP and the BDA have jointly undertaken the demolition and renovation of the old Puttanna theatre and a portion of the Jayanagara shopping complex.
While entrusting the work, the BDA had specifically directed the assistant engineer to weigh the scrap and deposit the money obtained by selling it in the BDA’s account as per the procedure, Ramesh added. Raghu did weigh the scrap, which was 22.88 tonne, and sold it to the scrap dealer. “Instead, he swindled the amount,” Ramesh alleged.
The BBMP deputy commissioner, south zone, has issued a show-cause notice to Raghu for allegedly creating a forged entry in the bill register, forging signature and sending the files to the Accounts department for clearance.
The case relates to four different works of repairing and painting fence and pathway of parks in the wards 142, 179 and 177, including the Lakshman Rau boulevard park.
Ramesh alleged that Raghu had created fake bank accounts in the names of fictitious contractors Sri Venkateshwara Enterprises and J M Construction. Once the payment cheques were issued, Raghu deposited them in these accounts.
“In these four works, Raghu made Rs 30 lakh. A detailed probe can reveal the size of illegalities he has indulged in,” said Ramesh.
