Bhopal: The Central Bureau of Investigation raided 21 places in the state on Friday in connection with the ‘construction scam’ in the National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research (NITTTR). CBI sources informed that the chief vigilance officer of the institute RK Dixit had complained to the agency that former director Dr Vijay Agarwal and other unknown officials had awarded several construction and maintenance contracts without calling open tenders and in violation of rules and procedures.
It was alleged that the director had awarded several works on exorbitant rates varying from 204 percent to 889 percent of the rates approved by CPWD. This caused huge loss to the tune of several crores to the government and also corresponding gain to themselves.
The CBI had registered a case under sections 120-B, 420 IPC and under section 13(2), 13(1) (d) of PC Act, 1988 on June 16. Contd. on P2 The Special Judge, CBI Cases, Bhopal provided the search warrants on Friday and the searches were carried out at 21 places including the residence of Dr Vijay Kumar Agrawal, the then Director, NITTTR at Rewa and other five NITTTR officials.
The team has also raided the premises of nine private contractors at Bhopal. During searches, 138 incriminating documents were seized including four locker keys. The searches at 3-4 places were in process till evening.
Sources informed that the former director Vijay Agarwal has allotted the construction works of Rs 34 crore without calling tenders from the year 2009 to 2013. In audit it was found that works to the tune of Rs 40 crore were awarded and payment of Rs 34 crore was made. In between a complaint was made and the remaining payment was withheld. The CBI is inquiring about the construction works the procedure adopted and the payments made.
The raids began at around 9 am, when the team reached the NITTTR. Concerned officials were told by the CBI to open their chambers. The team also stopped other officials from enter the premises.
Unofficial sources added that the raid was conducted at the residence of Dr Vijay Agarwal, former professor, JP Sahgal, accounts officer, DP Tiwari, RN Mishra, sales officer, CK Chauhan.
Related construction companies KP Construction, M/S Kamadgiri, M/S Sahu Enterprises, M/S Janakpur Constructions and Kailadevi and Sons Company were also raided. Presently, Dr Vijay Agarwal is a Professor and Head Department of Chemistry department, in Avdesh Pratap Singh University of Rewa. He was appointed as a director of the institute on May 6 2009 and returned to the university in August 2014.