ACB Detects ₹1.18 Crore Loss in Guntur Civic Body Tender Irregularities Probe
A preliminary inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has revealed that the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) suffered a financial loss of approximately ₹1.18 crore due to alleged irregularities in civic tender allocations. The findings follow a two-day search operation focused on municipal works sanctioned across multiple financial years.
What Happened
Following a two-day search operation conducted at the Guntur Municipal Corporation premises, ACB Guntur DSP T.V.V. Pratap Kumar disclosed that officials examined civic contracts awarded between the 2017-18 and 2024-25 financial years. The bureau initially slated 156 works for scrutiny, eventually examining 152 individual works after removing duplicate listings.
According to the ACB, preliminary verification confirmed that deviations in the tender-awarding mechanism led to a prima facie loss of ₹1.18 crore. Officials noted that this sum accounts only for projects where municipal payments had already been concluded. Because payments remain pending on several other contracts, authorities stated that the total financial loss could rise following a comprehensive audit of all related paperwork.
Key Highlights
- Financial Loss: The ACB identified a prima facie loss of ₹1.18 crore to the civic body.
- Review Period: Scrutiny covered municipal works awarded between financial years 2017-18 and 2024-25.
- Works Scrutinised: Out of an initial list of 156 works, 152 were examined after eliminating duplicate entries.
- Scope of Increase: The initial ₹1.18 crore estimate covers only completed payments; unsettled contracts could increase the figure.
- Missing Files: Investigators reported that certain tender-related documents were missing from the GMC offices during the search.
Why This Matters
The findings indicate procedural lapses and potential malpractice in the allocation of civic contracts over an eight-year timeframe within the Guntur Municipal Corporation. The diversion or loss of municipal public funds directly impacts local civic administration, municipal budgeting, and the transparent governance of urban infrastructure contracts.
What to Watch Next
With on-site physical searches concluded, the investigation will proceed at the ACB office, where seized files will undergo detailed verification. Investigators will also work to trace and inspect the tender documents that were unavailable at the municipal office during the operation to determine the complete financial scale of the irregularities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary finding of the ACB operation at the GMC?
The ACB prima facie established that the Guntur Municipal Corporation incurred a loss of ₹1.18 crore due to irregular procedures in the awarding of civic works.
Which timeframe does the ACB tender investigation cover?
The inquiry involves municipal contracts awarded between the 2017-18 and 2024-25 financial years.
Why might the final financial loss amount increase?
The current ₹1.18 crore assessment reflects only contracts where disbursements were completed. Unsettled payments and unresolved dues on other contracts remain under review, which could elevate the total figure.
Were all required files available during the civic body searches?
According to DSP T.V.V. Pratap Kumar, several tender documents were missing from the municipal office during the searches and will be examined as the inquiry proceeds.
Source: Based on official statements reported by The Hindu.