When uniforms for Uttarakhand’s Home Guards were procured during the 2024–25 financial year, the transactions initially appeared routine. But a closer examination by the department’s new leadership revealed a startling disparity: uniforms valued at roughly ₹1 crore had allegedly been purchased for nearly three times their market price.
The alleged irregularities, officials say, were not limited to a single year. A fresh tender for the 2025–26 financial year was reportedly issued at similarly inflated rates, triggering deeper scrutiny within the Home Guards and Civil Defence Department. What began as an internal review soon escalated into one of the most significant administrative scandals to surface in the state in recent years.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
The Officer at the Centre of the Allegations
At the heart of the controversy is Amitabh Srivastava, a Deputy Commandant General who was serving as Director of Home Guards. Investigators allege that Mr. Srivastava colluded with private contractors to manipulate the tender process, enabling uniforms to be procured at prices far exceeding prevailing market rates.
According to officials familiar with the inquiry, the scheme involved tailoring tender conditions in a manner that favoured select suppliers, effectively shutting out competitive bids. The estimated loss to the exchequer, based on preliminary assessments, stands at around ₹2 crore.
The alleged misconduct, authorities say, points to a broader officer-contractor nexus rather than an isolated lapse in procedure.
How the Scam Came to Light
The turning point came after the appointment of PVK Prasad as Director General of Home Guards and Civil Defence. Upon reviewing procurement records, Mr. Prasad ordered an internal examination of the uniform tenders spanning two financial years.
His findings were compiled into a detailed report submitted to the state government. The report flagged violations of procurement norms, lack of transparency in tender approvals and unexplained price escalations. Acting on the findings, the Director General cancelled the fresh tender for 2025–26 and formally recommended disciplinary action, recovery of the alleged loss and dismissal of the officer concerned.
Soon after, Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the immediate suspension of the Director of Home Guards and directed the constitution of a joint investigation committee to probe the matter comprehensively.
A Political Message and a Broader Investigation
In announcing the suspension, the Chief Minister’s office framed the action as part of a broader “zero-tolerance” stance against corruption. Officials said the joint committee would examine procurement procedures, financial approvals and the role of contractors and departmental officials involved in the tenders.
The case has stirred unease within Uttarakhand’s administrative circles, where Home Guards play a critical role in disaster response, elections and internal security support. For many observers, the episode underscores how procurement — often viewed as a technical back-office function — can become a gateway for large-scale financial abuse when oversight weakens.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities say further action, including criminal proceedings and recovery of funds, remains possible. For now, the suspension marks a rare moment of public accountability in a department that typically operates far from the political spotlight — and a reminder of how quickly routine governance can unravel under closer scrutiny.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
