Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri Assures Thorough Investigation into Fraudulent Billing Practices

Shimla: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has ordered an investigation into serious allegations of a major scam within the Jal Shakti Department’s water supply operations in Theog. The allegations, brought to light through an RTI query, suggest widespread fraudulent billing practices amounting to several crores of rupees. Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe into the issue.

The controversy revolves around claims that water worth ₹1.13 crore was supplied to Theog residents, using vehicles that appear highly improbable for such a task. The vehicles allegedly listed for the supply include motorcycles, Alto cars, Honda City cars, and even the Horticulture Director’s Bolero. Former CPI MLA Rakesh Singha, who first raised the alarm, highlighted glaring discrepancies in the contractors’ bills. Singha pointed out the absurdity of claims showing these vehicles traveling 500 to 1,000 kilometers in a single day through the hilly terrain of Theog.

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The issue gained traction after local MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore and former MLA Rakesh Singha appealed to the Chief Secretary for a thorough investigation into the irregularities. In response, Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri assured that the allegations would be thoroughly examined and anyone involved in wrongdoing would face strict legal consequences.

In an effort to expand the scope of the investigation, Agnihotri revealed that three other divisions of the Jal Shakti Department are also under scrutiny for similar irregularities. The alleged scam has raised alarm bells and generated widespread criticism, particularly regarding the accountability and transparency in the delivery of public services, such as water supply, in Himachal Pradesh. The investigation’s outcome will be crucial in restoring public trust in the governance of essential services.