Delhi Lt Governor Orders Probe into Corruption Allegations in PWD Desilting Project

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has ordered an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Branch into alleged misuse of Rs 80 crore in a PWD desilting project in Palam. The AAP has accused the LG and BJP of using the probe to defame the party, alleging conspiracies and previous false allegations.

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has initiated an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Branch into claims of corruption and the misuse of public funds amounting to nearly Rs 80 crore by the Public Works Department (PWD) during desilting work in Palam, according to Raj Niwas officials on Monday.

In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released a statement accusing the BJP and LG Saxena of engaging in theatrics and called for an immediate investigation into former Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar and other officials for allegedly failing to conduct a third-party audit. The party claimed the LG was hatching conspiracies and using such probes to malign them.

The complaint, dated August 11, alleged significant irregularities, including favoring a single contractor, misuse of public funds, and compliance failures in tender processes. Further allegations included fraudulent payments, non-existent work claims, and attempts to obstruct RTI requests. LG Saxena has directed the matter be referred to the Anti-Corruption Branch for in-depth investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)