Shimla, 05 January: The Vigilance Department has initiated an investigation into a large-scale water supply scam in Shimla district’s Theog subdivision, where fraudulent practices have been uncovered in the allocation of funds meant for water tanker services. The investigation is being led by ASP Narveer Singh Rathore, who, along with his team, has already seized crucial documents linked to the office of Theog’s Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). In addition, efforts to seize records from the Jal Shakti Department are underway. Investigators are in the process of questioning officers and staff associated with the water supply system. However, as of now, no FIR has been registered in connection to the case, and the registration of one will occur once the investigation reaches completion.

How the Scam Was Uncovered The scam came to light after shocking details emerged during the preliminary investigation. It was revealed that the water supply had been falsely documented using vehicle numbers, including motorcycles, cars, and even official vehicles, instead of the tankers that were supposed to be supplying water. Furthermore, it was discovered that some villages, where no roads exist, had been falsely reported as receiving water deliveries. In one particularly glaring example, a pick-up truck falsely claimed to have delivered water across 819 kilometers in a single day, and 614 kilometers the following day—distances that are clearly impossible for such vehicles to cover.

Action Taken: Officers Suspended and Contractors Blacklisted In response to the fraudulent activity, ten officials from the Jal Shakti Department have been suspended. The list of suspended officers includes two executive engineers, three assistant engineers, four junior engineers, and one retired junior engineer. The suspended officials have been reassigned to the department headquarters while further investigations are underway. Moreover, the contractors involved in the false water supply claims have been blacklisted from future contracts.

Government’s Response and Future Investigations Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri convened a meeting with senior officers two days ago, instructing the suspension of the implicated officials and calling for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The Additional Chief Secretary, Omkar Sharma, has been directed to oversee a detailed inquiry and ensure that stringent action is taken against the individuals responsible for the malpractice.

Call for a Fair Investigation Rakesh Singha, the former MLA of Theog, had previously raised concerns regarding the issue and lodged a complaint with the government. He has urged for an unbiased and thorough investigation, recommending that all related records be seized from the Chief Secretary’s office.

List of Suspended Officers The following officers from the Jal Shakti Department have been suspended:

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• Ashok Bhopal (Executive Engineer, Matiyana Division)
• Basant Singh (Executive Engineer, Kasumpti Division)
• Praneet Thakur (Assistant Engineer, Matiyana Division)
• Rakesh Kumar (Assistant Engineer, Koti Sub-Division)
• Vikesh Sharma (Assistant Engineer, Theog Division)
• Mast Ram Brakta (Junior Engineer, Theog Division)
• Suresh (Junior Engineer, Lafughati Sub-Division)
• Neem Chand (Junior Engineer, Matiyana Division)
• Sudarshan (Retired Junior Engineer)
• Sunil (Junior Engineer, Theog Division)

Next Steps and Potential Consequences Vigilance is expected to register an FIR soon, which will likely escalate the legal and administrative consequences for the involved officers and contractors. The investigation is continuing to unfold, and more details are expected in the coming days as the team works to uncover the full extent of the scam.

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