Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 18: The state high court (HC), on Tuesday December 17, ordered Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to hold probe into the report instances of getting execution of works in Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) purposefully delayed, revising the project cost in such case by adding escalation cost, and get compensated from contractors to the extent of crores of rupees.

A division bench of the high court (HC) presided over by Justice Ravi Malimath, which heard an appeal filed by BDA commissioner about formation of Arkavathi Extension passed this order.

The bench observed that many development works undertaken by VDA were inordinately delayed and the contractors did not complete works on time. Then they produced revised project cost and obtain money that is considerably more than the one originally fixed. The ACB has to look into the reasons for delay, how much money has been paid to contractors by way of compensation, and whether BDA officials were involved with this.

The bench asked the ACB to hold detailed investigation and submit report within six months.

The bench orally said that the money of people is spent for works and some officials, in connivance with contractors, possibly raised project cost and got higher amount that damages the exchequer.