Second report of Nagamohan Das Commission focuses on Smart City Project works in Bengaluru; finds significant irregularities

Over ₹3,500 crore worth of works carried out between 2019–20 and 2022–23 under the Smart City Project (SCP) in Bengaluru, when the BJP was in power, is the main focus of the second investigation report submitted by Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday. The first report was submitted in March 2025.

The methodology of the investigation involved a random selection of projects and spot verification, account verification, and field verification of these works. The probe uncovered five major lapses: procedural irregularities, failure to make statutory deductions in bills, substandard work, billing for work never executed, and tender-related irregularities, sources said. 

The 8,900-page report highlighted significant irregularities in the Smart City Project after examining more than 700 works executed under the initiative, according to a reliable source in the commission headed by Justice Das.

Officials from the Statistics and Economics Department were roped in to devise a formula for the random selection of projects for inquiry. “They developed a method that was not arbitrary but based on a well-defined process of selecting projects,” a source said. “When we applied this formula, it identified around 700 works out of 14,000. The formula was designed such that the results from the sample of 700 would accurately reflect the outcomes of about 90% of the works under the SCP,” he told The Hindu.

Other areas that the report focused on are solid waste management, lakes, and stormwater drains. However, works examined in each of these areas range between 60 and 100 each.

During the process, five officials, including a chief engineer, were issued non-bailable warrants by the court for failing to cooperate with the inquiry. They were detained by the police and brought before Justice Das for interrogation.

Several officials, including administrative officers, chief engineers and contractors have been named in the report. “We have recommended that the named officials be given an opportunity to explain themselves before any action is initiated,” the source said.

The report also includes 10 recommendations to prevent such irregularities in the future.