Multi-crore irrigation scam: VB arrests contractor Gurinder Singh

Multi-crore irrigation scam: VB arrests contractor Gurinder Singh

Sent to Vigilance custody till December 16 by Mohali court

Nabaz-e-Punjab Bureau, Chandigarh December 13:
State Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested contractor Gurinder Singh who was involved in the multi-crore irrigation scam after his surrender today in the trial court at SAS Nagar.
Disclosing this a spokesperson of the VB said the Supreme Court, while upholding the ruling of Punjab & Haryana High Court to decline anticipatory bail to Gurinder Singh, had rejecting his bail plea on December 7 and directed him to surrender within one week to join the ongoing investigations. After his surrender, the Mohali court has sent him for vigilance custody till December 16.
It is pertinent to mention here that the VB has initiated an enquiry in number of works allotted through e-tenders by the irrigation department to probe into the allegations in allotment of tenders. During the investigation the vigilance have found that ‘Gurinder Singh & Company’, a firm owned by Gurinder Singh, was favoured by engineers of the department and allotted him more than 60 percent of total works by cost in violation of the rules and guidelines of the department in collusion with him, in the past.
During investigations the VB have found that works were allotted to Gurinder Singh & Company at higher rates by way of single tenders ensured by tailor made conditions and clubbing of works. During the scrutiny of documents, it has also come to light that annual turnover of Gurinder Singh & Company have shoot up from Rs. 4.50 crores to about Rs. 300 crores within a short span of time, he added.
The spokesperson said the VB had already registered a case to probe into the irregularities and corruption charges leveled against him and others in allotment of tenders u/s 406, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 477-A, 120-B of IPC and 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station SAS Nagar. “The Bureau would investigate the matter thoroughly during his custodial interrogation”, he said.