Gurugram: A case involving the disappearance of 31.65 kg of silver from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited’s (BHEL) Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell Plant in Gurugram has come to light.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the matter. The missing silver is currently estimated to be worth around ₹71 lakh. The shortage was detected during a physical verification of stock conducted at the plant on February 6, 2024.
What Happened?
According to the FIR, the preliminary inquiry into the matter was completed on February 26. The inquiry reportedly found initial evidence concerning the role of senior officials who were associated with the plant at the relevant time. Subsequently, on July 8, the CBI registered a case under provisions relating to criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and criminal breach of trust by a public servant, along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
According to the complaint, plant records showed around 35.6 kg of silver stock until 2016-17. The stock included silver targets and recyclable silver. The material was linked to assets provided for projects associated with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Records and audit documents continued to mention the silver stock until 2020.
However, during the physical verification conducted in February 2024, there was no account of around 31.65 kg of silver. The investigating agency is now examining where the silver was used, how it was moved and who was responsible for its custody.
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Where was the Lapse?
The investigation has also found that annual physical verification of stock was conducted at the plant until 2018. The process was subsequently discontinued, according to the findings cited in the complaint. Inventory reports and stock registers for some of the intervening years were also not available. The complaint alleges that adequate systems were not in place to record the use, movement and custody of the silver.
The CBI has also been asked to examine the roles of several other officials and employees connected with the matter. During questioning, different accounts were reportedly given regarding earlier physical verifications, custody of the keys to the safe and missing records. The investigating agency is comparing these statements with the available documents and records.
The investigation is also examining whether there was any lapse in monitoring the silver stock and how such a significant gap emerged between the quantity recorded in official documents and the quantity physically available. The CBI is also looking into whether the discontinuation of stock verification and the absence of related documents were connected.
Why was Silver Used?
The Gurugram facility is associated with photovoltaic cell technology used for solar energy applications. Silver is used in the manufacturing of solar cells to create electrical contacts. The plant also serves as an industrial research and development centre for BHEL’s work related to photovoltaic technology.
The investigating agency is examining stock records, audit documents, records relating to the custody of the safe and its keys, statements of officials and documents concerning the use of silver. The circumstances surrounding the missing quantity, its use or possible misappropriation, and the role of other individuals will become clearer as the investigation progresses.
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