HC dismisses bail petition of ex-chief engineer

THE BENCH SAID THAT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM ARE SERIOUS AND IF RELEASED ON BAIL, HE MAY INFLUENCE THE WITNESSES

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana high court has dismissed bail plea of Surinder Pal Singh ‘Pehlwan’, former chief engineer and alleged kingpin in the ₹1,200 crore irrigation scam that rocked Punjab in 2017.

The high court bench of justice Inderjit Singh observed that there are serious allegations against him and if released on bail, there is every chance that he may influence the witnesses.

Pehlwan had argued that a challan has already been presented and his custodial interrogation was not required. Hence, there was no reason to keep him in custody. On the other hand, the state had argued that there are serious allegations against him regarding money laundering and money routed through his three family firms. He remained chief engineer and evidence is to be produced by junior engineers and if the bail is granted, he can influence the witnesses.

Pehlwan was booked by state Vigilance Bureau on June 8, 2017, under Prevention of Corruption Act and various other offences and was arrested a day after the FIR. He approached high court in December 2017.

As per the Vigilance Bureau, he awarded tenders of about ₹500 crore to his “benami” firms M/s Ek Onkar Builders and Contractors Pvt Ltd and also favoured two other firms.

He awarded ₹1,200 crore projects which were given on higher rates. After manipulating documents, tendering process was done in such a way to exclude other competitors, the court was told adding that he also gave performance certificate to some firms to enhance their eligibility for higher works.