Two Chhattisgarh PWD officials suspended for corruption in road work highlighted by murdered scribe
The Hindu
Chhattisgarh PWD officials suspended for corruption in road construction work after journalist's murder, contractor arrested.
Two Chhattisgarh Public Works Department (PWD) officials have been suspended for alleged irregularities and corruption in a road construction work in Bijapur district.
The probe into these alleged irregularities and corruption started after journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who was murdered earlier this month, highlighted them in his news report. The contractor of this project, Suresh Chandrakar, and his three associates were arrested for allegedly murdering the journalist.
“The probe into the ongoing construction of 52.40 kilometre Nelsnar-Kodoli-Mirtur-Gangaloor road in Bijapur district found serious irregularities in execution of the work. Due to alleged connivance of officials, there is prima facie evidence regarding wastage of government money, embezzlement, submission of faulty evaluation report and corruption in nexus with the contractor / construction agency,” Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, who also holds the PWD portfolio, said in a statement.
Based on the findings, the Department has directed the Chief Engineer, PWD of Bastar Circle (Jagdalpur) to immediately lodge an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Prevention of Corruption Act against then Executive Engineer (now retired) B.L. Dhruv, Sub-Divisional Officer R.K. Sinha, Sub Engineer G.S. Kodopi and other concerned officials for allegedly committing irregularities in the road construction work in a Naxal-affected area, Mr. Sao said.
“The Department has placed Sinha and Kodopi under suspension with immediate effect. It has issued show cause notice to Dhruv seeking his reply within 15 days,” the Deputy CM said in the statement.
Also read: Bastar journalist murder: Key accused arrested in Hyderabad; more searches underway
“The orders were issued on Friday. The probe team inspected Nelasnar-Kodoli-Mirtur-Gangaloor road work on January 8-9 and pointed towards various deficiencies, including potholes, peeled off surface layer at many places and inadequate thickness. The reports indicate the work was done without adhering to prescribed standards and norms,” an official said.
Kothamangalam Magistrate sentences three for elephant calf shooting, others acquitted; convicted face prison time and fines.
The Madras Canine Club’s 143rd, 144th, and 145th All Breeds Championship Dog Shows began in Chennai on Saturday (January 17, 2025). The two-day event also includes obedience trials and two speciality shows.
Enforcement Directorate restitutes ₹289.54 crore worth of properties to MPID Authority in Pen Co-operative Urban Bank case.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan announces upcoming Karnataka state BJP president election amid internal party opposition.
Expecting heavy traffic on the weekend, with many returning to Chennai after the Pongal holidays, the Tambaram City police have put several regulations in place to minimise bottlenecks.
Journalists discuss Israel-Gaza ceasefire, history of conflict, and international law's role in West Asia at Hindu Lit for Life.
Three missing labourers found dead in collapsed iron structure at cement plant in Odisha after 36-hour rescue operation.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has collected and disposed of 34,748 tonnes of solid waste from January 11 to 16, 2025.
NGT issues notice to HSPCB in appeal challenging ₹1.55 crore penalty for STP fault in Gurugram.
Kolkata court finds Sanjay Roy guilty of rape and murder, sentencing to be declared Monday.
The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the Kalaignar Convention Centre in Muttukadu, ECR.
This effort of the BBMP to issue new khata will help bring khata-less properties under the net of property tax.
Although the batter is being sold only in Bengaluru as of now, the supply is more concentrated in southern and western parts of the city, according to KMF officials.
Ministry of Finance updates on PM Kisan Sampada Yojana, PMFME Yojana, and PLI scheme for food processing industry.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI announces 15-man Indian squad with Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav back into the squad.
Bada Naam Karenge, a new romantic-drama series that initiates Rajshri Productions into the streaming world, has a trailer.
Chhattisgarh PWD officials suspended for corruption in road construction work after journalist's murder, contractor arrested.
The Hindu Lit for Life 2025: Nirmala Lakshman on ‘Tamils: A Portrait of a Community’