Engineers suspended for Rs. 954 cr fraud

The Noida authority on Wednesday suspended two top former engineers for large-scale irregularities and embezzlement of funds in the execution of infrastructure projects worth R954 crore.

The Noida authority on Wednesday suspended two top former engineers for large-scale irregularities and embezzlement of funds in the execution of infrastructure projects worth R954 crore.

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The action was taken against former engineer-in-chief Yadav Singh and former project engineer Ramendra. An FIR has also been lodged against the duo as well as two Ghaziabad-based construction companies — Tirupati and JSP — under various sections of the IPC, besides sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act (1988), Gangster and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986.

Singh was said to be "extremely close" to former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati and was responsible for the execution of all infrastructure projects in the city.

The Noida authority has a tender committee for infrastructure projects, comprising a chief project engineer, a chief maintenance engineer (CME) and a CME (water). Yadav Singh held the posts of engineer-in-chief, CME and CME (water).

Noida authority CEO had recently seized the office of Yadav Singh and relieved him of his charges.

"We got the allegations probed by three senior officers and it has been found that various engineering wings of the authority signed agreements with construction companies for execution of projects worth R954 crore in 8 days flat in December last year. While rules say agreements for projects worth R2,000 crore only can be signed in a full financial year. The entire process looked doubtful and the officer is prima facie guilty," said Noida authority CEO Sanjeev Saran.

"High voltage electricity wires were to be laid underground on Udyog Marg, one of the most important Noida roads. But tenders were floated first and estimate was prepared later. Construction companies were hired without tenders being accepted. It had been decided beforehand who will get the contracts. Favoured contractors were told to apply for the job, denying the authority the benefit of competitive prosing," the CEO said. Central consultant RITES has now said 60 per cent work had been done without the signing of agreements.