ACB finds ₹1.18 crore loss in Guntur Municipal Corporation tender process
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has prima facie established that the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) suffered a financial loss of ₹1.18 crore due to alleged irregularities in the tendering process for municipal works undertaken between 2017-18 and 2024-25. The finding was disclosed to the media on Tuesday by ACB Guntur Deputy Superintendent of Police T.V.V. Pratap Kumar, following a two-day search operation at the civic body's office.
The ACB had initially identified 156 works for scrutiny. After removing duplicate entries, 152 works were taken up for examination. Preliminary verification of tender-related documents indicated that irregularities in the award of contracts led to the loss. Mr. Pratap Kumar clarified that this amount is only a preliminary estimate based on works for which payments have been completed. Dues are still pending in several contracts, and the extent of the financial loss could increase after a detailed examination of all records.
“The searches conducted since yesterday have identified 152 works after removing duplicate entries. We have prima facie established that the Guntur Municipal Corporation suffered a loss of ₹1.18 crore,” the DSP said. He added that the physical search operation has been completed, and the records seized or collected during the exercise will be examined at the ACB office as part of the further investigation.
Some tender-related documents were reportedly not available with the GMC and could not be verified during the searches. The ACB will conduct a detailed verification of the available records and also examine the missing documents as part of the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the award of municipal works.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of civic administration in Andhra Pradesh. The ACB's investigation is expected to shed more light on the tendering processes and accountability within the GMC. Officials have assured that the inquiry will be thorough and transparent, in line with the rule of law.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
