Avinash Azad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 25: An engineer in Rural Engineer Wing (REW) of Rural Development Department (RDD) has been punished for highlighting embezzlement over Rs 1 crore committed by his predecessor.
Sources in RDD informed Early Times that known as crusader against corruption, the Executive Engineer (XEn), REW, Samba A K Pargotra has been attached with directorate of RDD Jammu. "Pargotra, has recently informed higher authorities' including Chief Secretary, about the embezzlement committed by several RDD Officers, including XEn REW, Udhmapur, Bashir Ahmed Sheikh, who had also served as XEn, REW Samba, and other districts. "Bypassing instruction issued by, Superintending Engineer, REW Jammu and Commissioner Secretary for purchase, Sheikh as XEn REW in various districts, has allegedly embezzled public money, by making purchases of material on exorbitant rates", sources said and added that apartment from this the XEn has also has also deposited Rs 7.73 lacs in his personal account.
"Embezzlement, Rs 7.73 lacs, has also pointed out by the Accountant General (audit) J&K", sources said and added that further added that Sheikh as XEn REW Samba, had purchased material worth Rs 42.84 lacs including cement and TMT without inviting tenders, that too on the bases of 'fictitious' bills.
Sources said in Samba he committed another fraud, by purchasing same material with two different rates.
"For community facility centre (CFC) Diani he purchased Tar steel @ Rupees 3990 per quintal from SICOP vide bill no. SICOP-2016/20220 dated 24/12/2016 and on bases of 'fake' bills in July 2016, he purchased Tar Steel @ Rs 5380 per quintal atleast 40 percent higher rate than SICOP", they said.
They further said that Bashir Ahmed Sheikh, XEn REW, Ramban had also committed embezzled Rs 30 lacs in the execution of ground floor and boundary wall of multipurpose community hall (MPH) Batroo. "The MPH was taken up for execution to pay respect and tribute late former Dy CM, D D Thakur, father of former Chief Justice of India, T S Thakur and Justice D S Thakur of J&K High Court, but the building could not be completed", they said.
Sources further said that SE REW Jammu in clear-cut instructions has directed all the XEn REW of Jammu division, dated 18/09/2018 to purchase M-30grade 60 MM interlocking paver tiles @ Rs 325 per square-meter, but the Bashir Ahmed Sheikh, XEn REW, Udhampur, paid Rs 570 for the same.
"XEn, REW, Samba A K Pargotra, has been attached for highlighting the frauds committed by his colleague", they said and appealed Governor, Satya Pal Malik to do justice with the whistleblower, black sheep in various department could be exposed in future also.
They said that however, Pargotra has been attached on the pretext of MCC, but the XEn has nothing to do with it. "Astonishingly, those who enjoy blessing of politicians have been continuing as DC, ACDs and those who were exposing the culprits being victimized", they said. |
