Raipur EOW Files Chargesheet in Rs 4.72 Crore Computer Equipment Scam
Raipur: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Raipur have taken a significant step in a major corruption case by filing a chargesheet on Monday. This legal action pertains to an alleged scam worth Rs 4.72 crore linked to the procurement of computer equipment under the Rajiv Gandhi Shiksha Mission.
Chargesheet Submitted in Special Court
The chargesheet was formally submitted before the special court in Raipur on March 16, 2024. This case revolves around purchases made during the financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12. Authorities have registered offences under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to cheating, forgery, the use of forged documents, and criminal conspiracy.
Accused and Alleged Conspiracy
According to investigators, the accused individuals—Alok Kushwaha, Anju Kushwaha, and Sanjeet Sahu—are alleged to have conspired to use forged and fabricated documents to secure government contracts. This scheme reportedly caused a substantial financial loss of Rs 4.72 crore to the state exchequer, highlighting serious lapses in procurement oversight.
Details of the Procurement Scheme
Officials explained that under a computer-aided education scheme, the Rajiv Gandhi Shiksha Mission was responsible for supplying LFD/TFT monitor-based computer equipment to government upper primary schools across all 18 districts of Chhattisgarh at that time. The procurement occurred in two distinct phases:
- Phase 1 (2010-11): 246 monitors were procured.
- Phase 2 (2011-12): 392 monitors were procured, bringing the total to 638 units.
Companies Involved and Forged Documents
In the first phase, Mini Infotech, operated by Alok Kushwaha, supplied the 246 monitors. In the second phase, Global Network Solution based in Raipur supplied the 392 monitors. ACB/EOW chief Amresh Mishra stated that the investigation revealed the accused allegedly forged authorisation letters in the names of reputable companies such as HP and Agmatel to legitimise the supply, thereby deceiving authorities.
Grossly Inflated Pricing Exposed
The scam hinged on grossly inflated pricing, with each monitor supplied at Rs 1,26,500. This price was nearly double the market rate of Rs 57,950 per unit at the time. This significant markup resulted in excessive costs to the government, underscoring the financial impact of the fraudulent activities.
Legal and Departmental Actions
Following the completion of a thorough investigation, the chargesheet has been filed against the three accused. Additionally, the bureau has recommended departmental action against former officials of the mission who may have been involved or negligent in overseeing the procurement process. This move aims to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings advance, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to combating corruption in public schemes.
