How was ₹800-cr scam undertaken by Tata firm & India’s largest container port’s ex-staff?
In a shocking revelation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has flagged a massive scam worth ₹800 crore at India’s largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT). The scam involves former staff of Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) and JNPT, who allegedly caused losses to the tune of ₹4222 crore through a series of fraudulent activities. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the scam and explore how the officials managed to undertake such a massive fraud.
According to reports, the scam was perpetrated during the execution of a dredging project at JNPT. The project, worth ₹4200 crore, was undertaken by a consortium of contractors led by TCE. The project aimed to deepen the draft of the vessel at the port to 15 meters, which would enable larger ships to berth at the port.
However, instead of opting for the standard 14-meter draft, the officials chose a deeper 15-meter vessel draft, causing a loss of ₹1163 crore. This was allegedly done to benefit the contractors, who were awarded the project at a higher rate than the prevailing market rate.
In addition to this, the officials also opted for a single rate for dredging of different rock types, causing a loss of ₹557 crore. This was despite the fact that the rock types required different levels of dredging, which should have been taken into account while awarding the contract.
The contractors also undertook dredging for an excess width, causing a loss of ₹964 crore. This was allegedly done to increase the quantity of work done, thereby increasing the revenue earned by the contractors.
The CBI has alleged that the officials involved in the scam have caused losses to the tune of ₹4222 crore through these fraudulent activities. The agency has also summoned several officials, including the former CEO of JNPT, in connection with the scam.
The scam was uncovered during a routine audit of the project, which revealed the massive financial losses caused by the officials. The CBI has registered a case against the officials involved in the scam and is investigating the matter further.
The scam has sent shockwaves across the country, with many questioning how such a massive fraud could have been undertaken without being detected earlier. The incident has also raised questions about the accountability of officials in government-run projects and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such scams in the future.
In conclusion, the ₹800-cr scam undertaken by Tata firm and India’s largest container port’s ex-staff is a shocking example of how officials can exploit their positions for personal gain. The scam highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government-run projects and the importance of regular audits to detect and prevent such frauds.
