Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 27: The department of energy, which went into the irregularities which reportedly happened in the execution of works conducted in Athani division of Hubli Electricity Supply Company Ltd (HESCOM), has suspended 20 officials from service. The amount of irregularities involved is Rs 86 crore.

Because of the involvement of officials in these irregularities, the department faced financial losses and there was deficiency in the quality of works which were conducted for the convenience of the general public. Based on the recommendations made by the investigation team that submitted a report, additional executive engineer and 19 others have been suspended as per the orders of the energy minister V Sunil Kumar.

The internal inquiry conducted by the department found that rampant irregularities had happened in various works including water supply and Pradhan Mantri Rural Electrification scheme. It was found that Rs 29.72 crore was disbursed without conducting any work. Rs 57.16 crore was found to have been illegally spent without any benefit to the department.

Minister for energy as well as Kannada and culture, V Sunil Kumar, said that no irregularities will be allowed in the energy department. He called upon the general public to bring to the notice of the officials if such incidents have happened elsewhere in the state. He added that the officials who indulge in corruption and irregularities will face action without exception.