Kochi : Huge corruption, pertaining to UDF tenure, has been unearthed by officials in PWD's Ernakulam/Aluva Division. The fraud has cost govt exchequer Rs 1.78 crore in losses, said Minister for Public Works G Sudhakaran.
Inspections at various sections including Roads department at PWD, revealed conspiracy between officials and a private party to siphon off payments against non-existent works. The frauds took place between 2013 - 2016.
Findings range from payments against fake work records, fabrication of fraudulent documents, skipping mandatory security deposits and criminal conspiracy.
The alleged fraud amounted to RS 1,77,62,492, the minister said.
Govt directed suspension of Executive Engineer Lata Mangesh, Asst Engineer Manoj and Junior Superintendent Shelmi. Also, the license held by private contractor Subin George has been cancelled.
Those accused include, PWD clerks at Ernakulam division's Public Roads section, V Jaykumar, Prasad SP and S Pai, for creating fake bills and ID Cards.They have been suspended.
Accountant Deepa, who is believed to have orchestrated the whole fraud, has been suspended by Department of Finance. She also faces vigilance probe.
Others suspended in the include Superintending Engineer KT Bindhu, Deputy Superintending Engineer A Alina Executive Engineers KS J Sajin and S Sunil, Finance Asst Jerry J Thekkedan and Administrative Asst. P Sreerekha.
The Secretaries of concerned departments have been notified to initiate proceedings in the case.
Govt has received information on several similar frauds across departments, Minister Sudhakaran said, adding that, stringent action will be taken, so such acts are not reapeated.
