Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/RD)

Mangalore, Mar 13: A file related to works on repairs of Pandeshwar wet-well, amounting to Rs 61,711, was found likely to be misappropriated by forging the signature of Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) commissioner, Krishnappa Poojary. Accordingly, a complaint has been lodged at Barke police station, said Ganesh Hosabettu, city mayor.

Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday March 12, mayor said that the draftsman working at MCC detected the forged signature on the works contract cleared for payment.  Moreover, when the papers were referred to MCC commissioner, he denied of signing the payment order and remarks therein.   On the clear ground of MCC administration, police complaint was lodged at Barke station, he added.

MCC joint commissioner, Ajit Kumar Hegde, explained the procedure that has been followed by the administration, since each file of works contract recommended for payment goes through draftsman, junior engineer, assistant engineer, executive engineer and till commissioner approves. However, it was detected that some of the records were missing in the 8 files which are forwarded to commissioner. Hence, a copy of police complaint has been submitted to the District Commissioner (DC) urging him to conduct an independent probe in this regard, he informed.

MCC whip, Shanker Bhat, alleged that when the draftsman of MCC paid visit to Barke police station, the sub-inspector there alleged to have behaved rudely with him. Meanwhile, the contractors who are involved in this scam seem to be closely associated with Congress leaders, he said.

Deputy mayor, Shakeela Kava was also present on this occasion.