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A financial scam worth over ₹200 crore has been unearthed in the Faridabad Municipal Corporation (FMC), Haryana, with at least 20 individuals named as accused, including senior engineers, clerks, and private contractors, according to police reports.
The case was filed following an internal audit and subsequent vigilance inquiry that revealed gross financial irregularities, including forged bills, inflated tenders, and unauthorised payments made under infrastructure and sanitation projects over the last few years.
Audit Triggers Full-Blown Investigation
The scam came to light during an audit of FMC’s accounts for 2021–2024, which revealed numerous inconsistencies in payment vouchers and contract files. Authorities alleged that multiple officials colluded with outside vendors to inflate project estimates, forge fake work completion certificates, and withdraw public funds without executing the work on the ground.
Acting on a complaint filed by a senior vigilance officer, the Faridabad Police registered an FIR under sections related to criminal conspiracy, forgery, and criminal breach of trust under the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Among the accused are current and former municipal engineers, accounts department staff, and contractors associated with sanitation and road repair projects. Officials noted that the financial misappropriation may exceed ₹200 crore as the inquiry expands.
Political, Public Reactions Intensify
The revelations have sparked political outrage and public anger, especially as Faridabad has recently faced criticism for poor sanitation, delayed civic works, and deteriorating roads. Several local representatives have demanded a high-level probe, with some calling for intervention from the State Vigilance Bureau or CBI.
“We need an independent, court-monitored investigation to ensure transparency. The people’s money cannot be looted by a nexus of officials and contractors,” said a local MLA.
The municipal corporation has so far suspended five officials and promised full cooperation with the ongoing probe. Meanwhile, vigilance authorities are expanding the investigation to include more financial years and other civic bodies.
This case adds to growing concerns about systemic corruption in urban local bodies across India, particularly in contract-based public works.
