Kolkata/Hugli. In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Green City Solar Project, enforcement agencies have arrested a former municipal body head in connection with suspected large-scale financial misconduct involving public funds allocated for renewable energy development.
Former Civic Chief Arrested
The arrested individual has been identified as Swapan Kumar Nandi, a former chairman of Arambagh Municipality. According to officials, the case pertains to alleged corruption and manipulation in the implementation of a solar energy initiative launched during 2017–18 under a civic development programme aimed at promoting clean energy infrastructure in schools and municipal facilities.
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The project, estimated to be worth approximately ₹7.24 crore, involved installation of solar panels on rooftops of educational institutions with the objective of powering classrooms and supporting street lighting systems in the civic area. However, investigators have alleged that the implementation process deviated significantly from approved guidelines, raising concerns about financial mismanagement and procedural violations.
Tender Process Under Scanner
Preliminary findings suggest that payments were released even before completion of work at several sites. In multiple cases, officials allegedly recorded inflated or fabricated progress reports to justify fund disbursement. This discrepancy between documented progress and on-ground execution has become a central point of the ongoing probe.
Authorities further allege that irregularities were also observed in the tendering process. Certain contractors were reportedly given undue advantage through influence and manipulation of bidding procedures, allowing them to secure project contracts under questionable circumstances. These contractors are now under the scanner as investigators examine their role in execution and financial settlements linked to the project.
According to sources involved in the investigation, initial complaints triggered a detailed audit, which revealed inconsistencies in financial records, work completion certificates, and payment approvals. These discrepancies led to a phased investigation, during which several associated individuals were questioned and some earlier arrests were made. The latest arrest marks a key development in tracing the alleged chain of responsibility.
Funds Trail Being Examined
Officials stated that the probe has now expanded beyond the municipal level, with indications of a structured network involving contractors, intermediaries, and administrative approvals that facilitated the alleged diversion of funds. Authorities are examining whether the irregularities were isolated administrative lapses or part of a coordinated financial scheme.
Bank accounts, digital payment trails, and contractual documents are currently being analysed to trace the flow of funds and identify beneficiaries. Investigators are also verifying whether any shell entities or proxy contractors were used to route payments and conceal financial irregularities.
The arrest has triggered strong political reactions in the region, with demands emerging for a deeper inquiry into civic project governance and public fund utilisation. Officials, however, have maintained that the investigation is being conducted in a neutral and evidence-based manner, and that all individuals found responsible will face appropriate legal action.
More Arrests Not Ruled Out
Authorities have indicated that more arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses, with new financial links and supporting documents continuing to emerge during scrutiny. The accused is currently being interrogated to establish further connections and clarify his role in the decision-making and approval process.
The case has once again brought attention to concerns over transparency, monitoring mechanisms, and accountability in local infrastructure projects, particularly those involving large-scale public expenditure in the renewable energy sector.
