Reputed Solar Companies Under Scanner as NOC Scam Probe Widens in Gujarat

Surat | Gujarat — The arrest of a senior government officer with cash and valuables worth ₹2.64 crore has sent shockwaves through Gujarat’s rapidly expanding solar sector, raising serious questions about the integrity of the approval process for renewable energy projects.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) recently arrested A.B. Chaudhary, a Class-1 officer of the Electrical Inspection Office under the Energy Department, allegedly while accepting a ₹5 lakh bribe for issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a solar installation. Subsequent searches at properties linked to the officer in Gandhinagar and Surat led to the recovery of ₹1.76 crore in cash and precious metals and jewellery worth nearly ₹88.82 lakh.

Investigators have revealed that nearly 100 solar project files were allegedly cleared within a week, with preliminary findings suggesting that mandatory site inspections may have been bypassed in several cases. The revelations have triggered concerns about whether the alleged irregularities were part of a larger network operating within the solar approval ecosystem.

While no solar manufacturing company or developer has been named as an accused and no evidence has been publicly presented linking any specific firm to wrongdoing, industry circles in Surat and South Gujarat are closely watching the investigation. Sources familiar with the sector say the probe could examine the role of applicants, consultants, contractors and intermediaries involved in obtaining approvals.

An ACB official stated that investigators are tracing financial transactions, documents and project files to determine the full extent of the alleged corruption. “The investigation is not limited to the bribe amount recovered during the trap. We are examining all relevant records and financial trails,” the official said.

The case has sparked discussion within Gujarat’s renewable energy sector, with experts calling for greater transparency, digital monitoring and stricter compliance checks in the NOC process.

Industry observers note that if systemic irregularities are established, the financial implications could be significant given the scale of solar investments across South Gujarat. However, officials have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that conclusions regarding any broader involvement will depend on evidence gathered during the probe.