DVAC conducts searches at panchayat office near Arakkonam over irregularities in laying borewells

The sleuths of Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted searches at the panchayat office of Ichiputhur village near Arakkonam town in Ranipet, over irregularities in installing public borewells in the village.

DVAC sources said that the complainant S. Bharani, a ward councilor of the panchayat, has registered a complaint with them where he mentioned that fake bills were attached by private contractors to claim the amount sanctioned for drilling of borewells in four hamlets in the village. The new bore wells were meant to meet water requirements of residents during summer.

DVAC sources said that as per estimates, each borewell, on an average, costs ₹2.25 lakh. Sources said that the complainant claimed that without installing new bore wells in four identified hamlets, the panchayat has cleared the fake bills, claiming that the work has been completed. As a result, it has not only incurred a loss to taxpayers’ money but new bore wells were not installed for the public.

Based on the complaint, a seven-member team comprising K. Senthil Kumar, Executive Engineer (EE), DRDA (Ranipet), and S. Ganesh, Deputy SP, DVAC (Ranipet), conducted searches at the panchayat office. The team also inspected four identified spots for new bore wells.

DVAC sources said that along with DRDA, the team checked the total length of pipes used for new borewells, motor pumpsets and electrical wires. They found that old pipes were used for the borewells. The total depth of each borewell is also less as against specified 480 feet depth for each borewell.

DVAC sources said that an inquiry led by Mr. Senthil Kumar, EE, DRDA, is underway where bills for the work will be verified. Based on the inquiry report, necessary action will be taken against the panchayat.