Inquiry Launched Against Public Works Official In MP's Mandsaur

Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh): State Government has initiated a departmental inquiry against executive engineer in charge of PWD Aditya Soni following serious allegations of misconduct.

The inquiry comes after a complaint from social worker and journalist Jagdish Agarwal, who accused Soni of misusing his official duties during construction of a 9.65 km cement concrete road between Malhargarh railway station and Narayangarh road.

Soni was alleged to have deliberately altered government records and provided undue financial benefits to a contractor by approving payments for M-40 grade concrete instead of the contracted M-30 grade.

This malpractice reportedly resulted in a financial loss of over Rs 24 lakh to the government. In response to the complaint, PWD, Bhopal, chief engineer set up a three-member inquiry committee which led to the suspension of Soni along with four other department employees.

Charge sheets were issued, with allegations including improper payment approvals and record manipulation. Further complicating matters, the Lokayukta and the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) have both registered investigation cases against Soni.

Lokayukta has summoned a report from the additional chief secretary of PWD, while the EOW has also requested documentation regarding departmental actions. As the inquiry progresses, the government has transferred Soni to Datia.