A Special CBI Court in Ranchi has sentenced Dilip Kumar Singh, Director of Classic Coal Construction Private Limited, to three years of rigorous imprisonment in a 16-year-old bitumen scam linked to the Chakradharpur-Kharsawan road construction project. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh, while acquitting former Junior Engineer Suresh Sharma for lack of evidence.
Fake Invoices Used to Claim Bitumen Supply
The case relates to alleged fraudulent withdrawals from a road construction project executed under the Road Construction Division, Jamshedpur. According to the prosecution, forged documents were prepared to show the supply of bitumen and secure payment from the department.
The CBI alleged that the company falsely claimed to have supplied 607.39 metric tonnes of bitumen. Investigators said 47 fake invoices were prepared in support of the claim, leading to the release of ₹2,08,20,296 by the department.
Court Relies on Documents and Testimony
The Special CBI Court, presided over by Judge Yogesh Kumar, held Dilip Kumar Singh guilty after examining documentary evidence, witness testimonies and other material placed before it during the trial.
Along with the three-year rigorous imprisonment, the court imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh. In case of non-payment of the fine, Singh will have to undergo an additional four months of simple imprisonment.
Former Junior Engineer Acquitted
The prosecution failed to prove the charges against former Junior Engineer Suresh Sharma beyond reasonable doubt. The court acquitted him, observing that the evidence on record was insufficient to sustain a conviction.
With the verdict, a major phase of the long-pending bitumen scam case has concluded. Further legal proceedings will continue in accordance with law.
