Massive Rs 250 Crore Fake Bills Scam Unearthed in Bengaluru Infrastructure Projects
The Lokayukta police in Bengaluru has uncovered a major corruption scandal involving fake bills worth Rs 250 crore for infrastructure projects that were never executed. In a significant development on Tuesday, authorities conducted simultaneous raids at 13 locations, including the head offices of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL).
Documents Recovery Provides Fresh Leads
Investigators made a crucial breakthrough when they recovered documents that were initially believed to have been destroyed years ago. These files were found at the KRIDL and GBA head offices, providing fresh evidence in the case. The documents pertain to infrastructure projects planned during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in six wards under the Rajarajeshwari Nagar zone.
According to a Lokayukta police officer, "The officials then colluded with the contractors of their interest and got them the contract. However, no works were carried out, but fake bills were created to get the payment."
Modus Operandi of the Scam
The investigation has revealed a well-organized network of corruption where:
- Officials prepared plans for road, footpath, and drainage works worth Rs 250 crore
- Contracts were awarded to preferred contractors through collusion
- No actual work was executed on the ground
- Fake bills were submitted and payments processed illegally
- Files were destroyed at the erstwhile BBMP West Zonal Office to hide evidence
There are strong suspicions that politicians and government officials received kickbacks in connection with these fraudulent projects. The timing of the scam is particularly significant as it occurred during the transition period when the GBA replaced the BBMP as Bengaluru's main civic body in May this year.
FIR Filed Against Nine Officials
The case came to light following a complaint lodged by former Congress MP D K Suresh. Based on his complaint, an FIR has been registered against nine officials, including some who have since retired. The accused held various key positions including:
- Chief engineers
- Executive engineers
- Assistant executive engineers
These officials were posted across different zones and allegedly coordinated the entire scam. The investigation is ongoing, with Lokayukta officials examining the recovered documents for further evidence.
The scandal has raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability in Bengaluru's infrastructure development projects, especially during administrative transitions between civic bodies.
