Gurugram. An alleged financial irregularity has come to light in a ₹4.87-crore street-lighting project carried out nearly a decade ago in Sohna, Gurugram. The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered a case against 11 people in connection with the project. The accused include the then Chief Engineer, a Sub-Divisional Officer of the power department, two former secretaries of the Sohna Municipal Council and three contractors, among others.
A preliminary inquiry has alleged that officials and contractors colluded during 2014-15, resulting in a loss of more than ₹80 lakh to the state exchequer. Investigators are now examining at which stages of the project the rules were allegedly violated, particularly in the procurement of materials, allocation of work and release of payments.
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The project was launched to strengthen the street-lighting system in areas under the Sohna Municipal Council. It involved the procurement and installation of street-lighting equipment at various locations. The preliminary investigation found that the materials purchased for the project were allegedly procured at prices 20–25% higher than prevailing market rates at the time.
According to investigators, the difference in procurement prices placed an additional financial burden on the government. The initial assessment indicates a potential loss of more than ₹80 lakh to the state exchequer. However, the exact amount of the loss will be determined after a detailed examination of documents, payments and prevailing market rates.
The inquiry has also alleged that certain contracts under the street-lighting project were awarded to contractors whose licensed work capacity was lower than the scale of work assigned to them. Despite this, they were allegedly awarded contracts exceeding their prescribed capacity. Investigators are examining why the prescribed procedures were allegedly bypassed during the allocation of these contracts.
The role of the then Chief Engineer, the Sub-Divisional Officer of the power department and two former secretaries of the Sohna Municipal Council is under scrutiny. The allegation is that officials and contractors acted in collusion and took decisions that allegedly benefited the contractors while causing financial loss to the government.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau will examine tender documents, work orders, bills, payment records and procurement rates related to the project. Investigators will also verify the approvals issued at different stages and whether the rates, quality and quantity of materials were properly verified before payments were released.
The entire process of work allocation is also being reviewed. Investigators are particularly examining the role of officials involved in awarding contracts and approving payments to contractors. The scope of the probe may be expanded to include other officials and individuals if evidence of further irregularities emerges.
The initial estimate of more than ₹80 lakh in potential losses is not considered final. The actual financial impact will be established after a detailed comparison of procurement rates, payment records and other project documents. Investigators will also examine whether there were additional irregularities in the use of government funds during the project.
The investigation is focused on the allegations of collusion between officials and contractors, violation of prescribed procedures and financial loss to the state exchequer. Further action will be taken on the basis of documentary evidence and facts emerging during the detailed investigation.
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.
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