BJP’s Balh MLA alleges scam in Himachal IPH department, demands CBI probe
Inder Singh Gandhi rues lack of progress in Vigilance investigation
MANDI: BJP’s MLA from Balh in Mandi, Inder Singh Gandhi, has demanded a CBI investigation into alleged corruption within the Himachal Pradesh Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) department in his constituency.
Gandhi expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing Vigilance probe, accusing the investigation of being slow and ineffective with no results visible even after two weeks.
Speaking to The Newz Radar, Gandhi voiced his concerns, stating that the current investigation team is operating under pressure from the government. “The Vigilance team is shielding corrupt officials rather than uncovering the truth,” Gandhi alleged. He emphasised that simply transferring officials would not address the root of the alleged corruption and insisted that only a CBI probe could ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
Renovation expenses under scrutiny
Gandhi questioned the legitimacy of certain expenditures within the department. He pointed to a controversial renovation project in the office of the Executive Engineer, which cost Rs 35 lakh. Additionally, he highlighted the installation of a generator worth Rs 32 lakh, with a separate bill of Rs 3.5 lakhs for fitting costs.
“These exorbitant expenses appear to be a misuse of public funds, aimed at benefiting specific individuals,” he said, adding that while the department struggles to provide basic services like water to the public, it engages in such lavish expenditures.
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Allegations of favouritism in contract allocation
The MLA also raised questions about how a single contractor was allegedly awarded 100 tenders by the department. Gandhi demanded an investigation into how much money the Executive Engineer may have received in exchange for these contracts. “This needs to be thoroughly examined to determine the depth of corruption,” he urged.
The Vigilance Department began investigating the Baggi division of the IPH Department following a written complaint from a well-known contractor from Sundernagar. The contractor alleged that tender processes were being manipulated to favour certain individuals, in violation of rules.
As part of the investigation, the Vigilance team seized documents related to 1,398 tenders for a detailed review. However, Gandhi remains skeptical about the outcome, calling for a higher-level probe by the CBI.
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Executive Engineer transferred amid probe
In the midst of the investigation, the state government transferred Executive Engineer Harsh Sharma from Baggi division to the Jal Shakti Department headquarters in Shimla. The transfer, seen as an attempt to prevent evidence tampering, has caused unrest within the department. “This transfer is not enough to cover up the alleged misdeeds. The entire department needs to be scrutinized,” Gandhi said.
As the controversy deepens, the issue has taken a political turn with Congress leaders also weighing in. Brahmdas Chauhan, vice-president of the SC cell in the Congress, retaliated against Gandhi’s accusations. During a press briefing, Chauhan suggested that the BJP’s tenure from 2017 to 2022 should also be investigated for irregularities in the same department.
“The current government took swift action by transferring the Executive Engineer to ensure a fair probe. However, the corruption that took place during the BJP’s rule must also be probed,” Chauhan said, calling for an inquiry into tenders issued during the previous regime.
