VB starts probe into irregularities in tender allotment by Moga civic body

MOGA: The Punjab vigilance bureau (VB) has launched an investigation into the alleged irregularities by the Moga municipal corporation (MC) in the allotment of a tender for Rs 3.47 crore for the supply of underground waste collection bins and related work to a Ludhiana-based firm.

The VB has already sought records from the MC commissioner pertaining to the allotment of tender.

The complaint was lodged by former mayor of Moga Akshit Jain. He alleged that the tender was allotted to a firm owned by MC commissioner’s close associate. The firm was created just four months before the tender allotment, it was alleged.

Later, the local bodies department did not give approval to the tender and it was cancelled. However, the VB is conducting a probe to establish the intention behind the tender allotment and to check whether norms were followed or not.

In a letter to the Municipal commissioner, the vigilance bureau said it was verifying the allegations and sought records pertaining to tender allocation. A copy of the letter is with Hindustan Times.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP, vigilance bureau) Kewal Krishan said: “We are conducting a detailed investigation into the matter. I cannot reveal anything about the ongoing probe right now.”

Municipal commissioner Anita Darshi said the tender was not allotted.

THE VIGILANCE BUREAU HAS ALREADY SOUGHT RECORDS FROM THE MC COMMISSIONER PERTAINING TO THE ALLOTMENT OF TENDER AFTER A COMPLAINT WAS LODGED BY A FORMER CITY MAYOR