In Bharuch, a shocking case of corruption has come to light regarding the construction of a major road. The National Highway 64 in the Amod taluka was built just a year ago at a cost of ₹10 crores. However, the recent rains have severely damaged the road, raising serious questions about the quality of the work. Large potholes have formed, posing a danger to drivers. The damage has caused outrage among local residents and motorists, who are now living in fear of accidents.
The road was constructed by Sunil Baher, the owner of a private company called San Sign. Despite spending a substantial amount, the road’s materials washed away during the first rain, leading to suspicions of corruption in the project.
This incident is not isolated. Allegations have surfaced about widespread corruption in various development projects across Bharuch. Reports suggest that funds meant for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have also been misused. In several villages of Bharuch district, around ₹7.30 crores are believed to have been embezzled through fraudulent practices.
Assistant Project Officer Pratik Udesinh Chaudhari has filed complaints regarding this corruption in Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot. The allegations involve multiple enterprises, including Jalaram Enterprises and Murli Dhir Enterprises, which are accused of manipulating material costs and submitting false bills to receive undue payments.
In one instance, it was reported that a contractor inflated the amount of materials used for road construction, leading to significant financial losses for the government. Investigations are underway to determine the extent of the corruption and the involvement of officials.
The situation raises critical questions about the oversight of public works in Gujarat. Many locals are demanding accountability from the authorities. They are asking why quality checks were not conducted before approving the construction and if the contractors and officials colluded to cover up the shoddy work.
As the rainy season continues, residents are worried that the ongoing negligence in road quality may lead to more accidents. The Bharuch district administration is under pressure to respond to these issues. Local leaders are calling for immediate action to ensure that such corruption does not happen again.
In addition to the road issues, a recent scandal in Dahod has highlighted similar problems across Gujarat. With politicians’ sons implicated in the MGNREGA scams, there is a growing demand for transparency and justice in the state’s development projects. The people of Bharuch are eager for change, hoping that their voices will lead to a cleaner and more accountable government.
As investigations unfold, the public is watching closely. They want to see if the government can restore trust and ensure that funds are used for the public good, rather than lining the pockets of corrupt officials and contractors. This situation serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and transparency in government projects throughout Gujarat.
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