DJB

DJBA trial court has asked the anti-corruption branch to register an FIR against some Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials on the basis of a complaint. It alleges that certain officials, in connivance with a private firm, caused a loss of Rs 170 crore to the state exchequer in connection with the Sonia Vihar water treatment plant project. "Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, SHO of the anti-corruption branch is directed to register an FIR in the matter under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code as well as Prevention of Corruption Act against the persons found guilty of the conspiracy as alleged by the complainant, and get the matter investigated expeditiously," special judge Rakesh Siddhartha said.

The complaint is in connection with the awarding of contract for laying clear water transmission mains from Sonia Vihar plant to different areas of the capital. A complaint was filed before the court by one Vijay Kataria, who has alleged that "fabricated and false" entries and extra payments were made by the DJB officials to the contractor for the project without approval and justification. "While preparing the estimates at the time of awarding the tenders, the provisions of CPWD manuals had been violated and overlooked. As a result, the work which would have cost Rs 47.5 crore was made to cost Rs 111 crore, and Rs 50 crore was made to cost Rs 170 crore. The money was pocketed by the officials," said the complaint



adding that the contractor was also paid money even when he remained idle. After going through the allegations of the complainant, the court said: "In the entire transaction that was given to the contractor, DJB has illegally passed on the benefit, which was not due to the contractor, in connivance with him. The allegations in this regard are explicit and further preliminary inquiries conducted manifest the fact that the contractor had been given benefit which was not due to him."

DJB