The Agra Municipal Corporation has initiated a sweeping review of around 4,000 files related to development projects executed over the past two to three years following allegations of a ₹200-crore tender scam. The investigation, which began after discrepancies were uncovered during the review of just two files, has prompted civic authorities to compile and catalog project records across all four administrative zones of the city. Officials estimate that the comprehensive examination will take approximately 10 days, with the preliminary phase focusing on nearly 1,100 files sourced from the Lohamandi Zone.
Inquiry Committee Formed to Audit Four Civic Zones
Following directions from senior municipal authorities, documentation linked to civic development works is being sorted zone-wise to establish whether the irregularities were confined to isolated projects or formed part of a systematic failure. In addition to Lohamandi, records from the Chhata, Tajganj, and Hariparvat zones are being prepared for audit. The scrutiny aims to verify compliance with official tendering procedures, identify inconsistencies in project approvals, and pinpoint the administrative levels where procedural lapses occurred.
In response to the gravity of the allegations, the Municipal Commissioner has set up a high-level inquiry committee headed by the Additional Municipal Commissioner. The panel is tasked with verifying tender documentation, assessing official logs, and identifying responsible personnel if malpractices are proven. According to the Additional Municipal Commissioner, the inquiry is progressing swiftly, and its detailed findings will be made public once the facts are verified. The immediate challenge before the panel remains completing the forensic review of thousands of records within the projected 10-day timeframe.
Opposition Councillors Demand Independent SIT Investigation
The unfolding scrutiny has intensified political scrutiny within the civic body, prompting Bahujan Samaj Party councillors to call for a probe by a Special Investigation Team. On Saturday, a delegation led by BSP councillor group leader Captain Singh met the Municipal Commissioner to submit a formal memorandum seeking an independent inquiry alongside the internal administrative probe.
The delegation maintained that the scope of the alleged irregularities extends beyond a few isolated files. Captain Singh alleged that sustained collusion among certain municipal officials, employees, and preferred contractors had facilitated procedural bypasses over multiple years. Calling for a structured, step-by-step investigation, the councillors urged the administration to transfer the case to an independent agency to trace administrative networks and assign legal responsibility.
The memorandum was signed by several councillors, including Suhel Qureshi, Sunil Sharma, Rekha Bhaskar, Bunty Mahaur, Yashpal Singh, and Arvind Mathuria. The allegations raised by the delegation currently remain subject to independent verification.
Findings Crucial to Determining Pattern of Irregularities
The internal inquiry committee now faces the task of managing an extensive paper audit across four municipal jurisdictions under mounting administrative and political pressure. Starting with the primary tranche of 1,100 files from Lohamandi, the review will determine whether tender conditions were tailored, projects inflated, or execution norms bypassed.
The outcome of the file-by-file audit will serve as the benchmark for determining whether the irregularities represent discrete administrative lapses or widespread corruption in Agra’s civic infrastructure management. The civic administration is expected to release its preliminary conclusions upon the completion of the 10-day review period.
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