PWD scam: FIR filed against Kejriwal's late brother-in-law
A firm owned by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's late brother in law, Surendra Kumar Bansal, has been implicated by the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) for involvement with irregularities in road construction in Delhi. Bansal died on Saturday at a private hospital in Gurgaon, following allegations from expelled AAP minister Kapil Mishra on Kejriwal and Bansal's involvement in financial irregularities. Let us know more!
What are the charges?
ACB has registered 3 FIRs; one against Bansal and two in the name of two companies involved in this scam. According to Mukesh Kumar Meena, head of ACB, they have been booked under sections on forgery, cheating and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Meena added that the investigation uncovered evidence for financial irregularities through fake bills mentioning construction material which was not actually supplied.
Why is this happening now?
Proceeding from the earlier investigation against Bansal for irregularities in construction of a canal in the GT-Karnal road, the FIRs were filed in response to a complaint filed by the Roads Anti-Corruption Organization (RACO), alleging irregularities in granting contracts for road construction in Delhi in 2015-16. The filing comes after ex-AAP minister, Kapil Mishra alleged that Kejriwal helped Bansal settle an expensive land deal.
RACO alleges nepotism
According to Viplava Avasthi, General Secretary, RACO, "The case pertains to the construction of a drain on NH-44. The tender was rolled out for Rs 5 crore, but Bansal's company got it at 46% less."
What has happened till now?
An RTI application filed by RACO with the Sales Tax department revealed that the bills pertaining to project costs sent to the Public Works Department (PWD) were fake. It further found that the company named, Mahadev Impex in Rohtak, mentioned by Bansal's company was non-existent. RACO then approached the Economic Offences Wing. The ACB commenced its probe in January after taking over from EOW.
Next phase of investigation to focus on PWD
According to sources, the ACB now plans on shifting the investigation focus to the role of PWD. While they have already conducted examinations, PWD officials along with the accused companies will be questioned next week. It further plans to look into more PWD files.
