Team Herald
PANJIM: Despite letters to all the authorities including the Prime Minister of India, Panjim resident Gurunath Naik has questioned the long-delay in investigating an alleged corruption issue at Imagine Panaji Smart City Development (IPSCDL) that revolves around its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Swayandipta Pai Chaudhuri.
The complainant lamented that that almost seven months have passed since the Anti-Crime Branch (ACB)/ Vigilance Department had sought approval for conducting investigation of the IPSCDL’s Board of Directors from the Government and the Chief Secretary, who the complainant pointed out, continues to head the state administration and IPSCDL as chairman.
The complainant has alleged that Chaudhuri was paid excess salary amounting to Rs 31,83,700 after expiry of his term period in office between June 10, 2019 and September 30, 2020.
Naik referred to a letter issued by the Under Secretary (Smart City), Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, that made it clear that Chaudhuri’s appointment was for a fixed period of three years.
Naik has filed another complaint of fraud against Chaudhuri and the Board for allegedly illegally withdrawing Rs 39.30 crore from the bank accounts of IPSCDL as authorised signatures even after expiry of fixed term period of appointment.
He said this complaint was filed with the Economic Offences Cell. Naik alleged that Chaudhuri, after expiry of his term period and without board approval had awarded further work orders to the tune of Rs 54 crore.
“Smart City has become a corruption centre for the politicians as well as officials where Panjim has not been developed despite spending crores of rupees and therefore it is demanded that the Chief Minister should hand over the Smarty City issue to CBI/Central Vigilance Department for investigation,” Naik added.
Naik reiterated that after Chaudhuri was removed from IPSCDL services by the Government, he continued to remain scot free without any action taken against him and without recovering the amount of excess salaries paid.
