Haryana Engineer Faces Legal Action for Alleged Portal Manipulation
A junior engineer (JE) serving with the Ratia municipal committee in Haryana has been formally charged in a case involving alleged irregularities on the No Dues Certificate (NDC) portal. According to official sources, the incident came to light following directives from the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies (DULB) in Haryana, highlighting a serious breach of protocol.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The complaint, forwarded by the secretary of the Ratia municipal committee, led to the registration of an FIR at the City Police Station in Ratia. The accused, identified as Hawa Singh, was serving as a ULB checker at the time of the alleged misconduct. It is claimed that he misused his official access to the NDC portal to illegally alter the status of approximately 35 to 40 property identification numbers (PIDs). Specifically, these properties were changed from "unauthorised" to "authorised", a manipulation that authorities have deemed severe in nature.
Initial reports of the irregularities were first flagged by the DTP Headquarters, prompting a thorough investigation. The Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, upon detecting the alleged manipulation, issued explicit directions to lodge an FIR, underscoring the gravity of the offense. Subsequently, the Municipal Committee secretary and the District Municipal Commissioner of Fatehabad both directed that legal proceedings be initiated against the junior engineer.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Based on the complaint, the police registered FIR No. under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 201: Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury
- Section 318(3): Cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to a person whose interest the offender is bound to protect
- Section 316(5): Criminal breach of trust
Additionally, charges under the Information Technology Act have been included, reflecting the digital nature of the alleged crime. Police officials have confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the irregularities and any potential accomplices or broader implications.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about integrity in municipal operations and the need for stringent oversight in digital governance systems. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of accountability among public servants to prevent such incidents in the future.
