Palghar PWD Under Scanner As ₹73 Lakh Allegedly Diverted Through Altered Records
Palghar: An alleged financial irregularity involving ₹73.13 lakh has been reported in the Jawhar division of the Public Works Department (PWD), with an inquiry pointing to alleged changes in official records through which payments meant for works awarded to educated unemployed engineers were made to a private contractor. The disputed amount was subsequently deposited back into the government…
An allegation of improper financial handling has surfaced concerning the Jawhar division of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Palghar. According to an inquiry, the dispute centers around ₹73.13 lakh allegedly misappropriated through altered records. The funds, initially earmarked for works awarded to educated unemployed engineers, were reportedly redirected to a private contractor named Jijau Construction, Vikramgad.
The revelation came to light during an investigation into irregularities in PWD projects under Thane Circle. The inquiry findings, shared with the department, indicated that seven works, covered by agreement numbers 331, 332, 334, 335, 336, 337, and 344, had been awarded to educated unemployed engineers. However, when payments were processed on March 31, 2019, the records were allegedly altered, showing the payments were made to Jijau Construction instead of the original contractors.
A total of ₹73,13,884 was transferred to Jijau Construction's account, as per the inquiry committee's report. In response, Palghar Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh directed the Executive Engineer of the Jawhar division to file a formal complaint with the local police and initiate legal action. The responsibility of the officials and contractors involved, as well as the circumstances surrounding the original payment, the subsequent recovery of the amount, and the alteration of bill files, remain under investigation. The matter now awaits further inquiries and potential legal proceedings.
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