Surat : ACB Seeks Probe Into 5 SMC Officials Over Tender Row

SURAT : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has put five Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials under the scanner over alleged irregularities in four streetlight maintenance and LED supply tenders dating back to 2019. The move has triggered fresh concern within the civic administration.

The ACB has reportedly sought permission from the Surat Municipal Commissioner to investigate the officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The officers include former Vigilance Officer Jayesh Chauhan, retired Additional City Engineer K.H. Khatwani, Deputy Engineer Rohit Patel, retired Deputy Engineer Kirit Suvarnakar and Deputy Engineer K.T. Patel.

The case originated from a complaint alleging irregularities in the handling of four tenders related to streetlight maintenance and LED supply. Contractor Gopal Lambha had reportedly approached the ACB over the alleged manner in which the tenders were processed.

Following its preliminary inquiry and recording of statements, the ACB’s Surat office reportedly submitted its findings to the bureau headquarters. The latest request for permission could pave the way for a formal investigation.

The allegations, however, remain subject to investigation and have not been established against any of the officials.

The development assumes significance as some of the officials named in the ACB request have retired, while others have either resigned or remain in service. The Municipal Commissioner’s decision on granting permission is now awaited.

The streetlight department is responsible for installation, operation and maintenance of streetlights across SMC limits, making the tendering process an important civic function.

The controversy has also revived scrutiny of past decisions involving the civic Vigilance Department. Claims concerning earlier disciplinary action against other officials are also being discussed, though those allegations have not been independently established in the present ACB proceedings.

If permission is granted, investigators could examine the tender records, official decisions, statements and other evidence before deciding whether further legal action is warranted.

For now, the ACB’s request marks a significant escalation in a seven-year-old tender dispute. Any criminal case, arrest or prosecution would depend on the outcome of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.