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 uncovered a massive scam worth ₹800 crore, undertaken by former staff of Tata Consulting Engineers and India’s largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT). The scam involves the manipulation of the dredging project, causing a cumulative loss of over ₹4200 crore.
The CBI investigation has revealed that the officials involved in the project deliberately chose a 15-metre vessel draft instead of the approved 14-metre draft, resulting in a loss of ₹1,163 crore. Additionally, they opted for a single rate for dredging different rock types, leading to a loss of ₹557 crore. Furthermore, the contractors undertook dredging for an excess width, causing a loss of ₹964 crore.
The JNPT dredging project, worth ₹4,200 crore, was undertaken to deepen the port’s draft to accommodate larger vessels and improve its efficiency. However, the project was marred by irregularities and corrupt practices, resulting in massive financial losses.
The CBI has summoned several officials, including the former chairman of JNPT, to investigate the scam. The agency has also seized documents and records related to the project, which are being scrutinized to identify the extent of the scam.
The investigation has revealed that the officials involved in the project had colluded with the contractors to manipulate the project’s costs and benefits. The officials had also ignored the project’s technical requirements and specifications, leading to the use of sub-standard materials and equipment.
The scam has raised serious concerns about the integrity and accountability of the port’s officials and contractors. It has also highlighted the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of public projects to prevent such scams from occurring in the future.
The CBI’s investigation is ongoing, and several officials have been questioned in connection with the scam. The agency is also working to recover the losses suffered by JNPT and the government.
The JNPT dredging project was one of the largest infrastructure projects in India, and its failure has far-reaching implications for the country’s economy and trade. The scam has also raised questions about the competence and accountability of the port’s officials and the government’s oversight mechanisms.
The CBI’s investigation has sent shockwaves through the business and political circles, and it is expected to have significant implications for the port and the government. The government has promised to take strict action against those involved in the scam and to recover the losses suffered by JNPT.
In conclusion, the ₹800-cr scam undertaken by Tata firm and India’s largest container port’s ex-staff is a shocking example of corruption and irregularities in public projects. The CBI’s investigation has uncovered a massive scam, causing a cumulative loss of over ₹4200 crore. The government must take immediate action to prevent such scams from occurring in the future and to recover the losses suffered by JNPT.
