Investigation Launched Against Shravasti Executive Officer Over Corruption Allegations

Shravasti: Allegations of corruption have put Bhinga Nagar Palika Parishad's Executive Officer (EO), Dr. Anita Shukla, under intense scrutiny. District Magistrate Annapurna Garg had earlier canceled a ₹6 crore tender following accusations of irregularities by contractor Rana Pratap Singh. Now, Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma has ordered a fresh investigation based on a complaint by BJP-nominated councilor Ashwini Maurya. Joint Secretary K.B.L. Srivastava has sent a letter to the DM, directing a detailed probe into Maurya's nine-point complaint. The investigation report is expected within three weeks. This comes after a prior inquiry ordered by district in-charge minister Dara Singh Chauhan, sparking widespread discussion in the region.

Maurya alleges widespread manipulation in both online and offline tenders, claiming that tenders were deliberately published in alternative editions to limit publicity. He also accused officials of corruption in the ₹4 crore beautification project of Munda Shivala under the Vandan Yojana. Maurya pointed out that a newly constructed wall collapsed during the first rainfall, raising questions about the quality of work. Additionally, he alleged violations of standards in the construction of Ambedkar Park near the district hospital.

Further complaints include irregularities in material purchases and construction projects. Maurya claimed that dustbins purchased under the 15th Finance Commission were substandard, and streetlights worth lakhs were procured in 2014 without proper verification. He accused officials of withdrawing funds using fake quotations for projects under ₹1 lakh. Allegations also extend to the use of inferior machinery in water coolers, tanks, and submersible pumps, as well as corruption in the construction of boundary walls, RCC structures, and drains at a local junior high school.

Maurya has demanded an investigation into these issues, including alleged encroachment on a one-bigha toilet land in Chhawani Kuan Mohalla. He claims permanent structures and houses under the PM Awas Yojana were built on the land with the EO’s tacit approval. The ongoing probe is expected to shed light on the extent of corruption in the municipality.