In a development scam worth ₹22 crore in the Nuh district of Haryana, female BDO Pooja Sharma and contractor Hiralal have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The accused allegedly colluded to commit financial irregularities amounting to crores through forged bills and bribery.
Nuh: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested BDO Pooja Sharma and contractor Hiralal in connection with a ₹22 crore corruption case in development works in Mujeri village, Faridabad. Interrogation of the accused is ongoing, and several major revelations are expected during the investigation. The duo is accused of colluding to embezzle a substantial amount of money and accepting bribes through fake bills.
Crores of Rupees Involved in Development Works Irregularities
According to the ACB, BDO Pooja Sharma, in collusion with then Acting Sarpanch Brahmpal and Gram Sachiv Joginder, awarded the development works contract to contractor Hiralal without administrative approval on October 9, 2020, in Mujeri village. Irregularities amounting to approximately ₹22 crore have come to light. Investigations revealed that ₹17.14 crore were transferred to various company accounts of the contractor. Furthermore, the BDO misused her position to transfer ₹28 crore to the accounts of various firm owners without any work being executed.
Pooja Sharma Misused Gram Panchayat Accounts
As per the investigation, Pooja Sharma, despite the accounts of the Mujeri Gram Panchayat being frozen by the Director of Development and Panchayat Department, Panchkula, unilaterally un-froze the accounts and made payments to Rasik Bihari Construction Company. In return, she allegedly pocketed ₹9.20 crore as a bribe. This action is considered the pinnacle of corruption.
This misuse by BDO Pooja Sharma also tarnishes the image of the local administration. ACB officials stated that the involvement of other officials and employees is also being investigated in this case.
Contractor Hiralal's Fraud
According to ACB officials, contractor Hiralal, in collusion with this racket, committed fraud amounting to ₹43 lakh in November 2020 under the pretext of planting saplings. The investigation also revealed that saplings cannot be planted during the months of November-December. The bills were raised in June 2021, which clearly indicates forgery.
This fraud demonstrates that Hiralal seriously disregarded rules for personal gain in the village's development works. The ACB stated that this caused significant losses to the villagers and the government exchequer.
ACB Team Continues Interrogation of Accused
The ACB team is currently interrogating both the accused. Officials stated that further significant revelations are expected in this case. The investigation has also indicated that several other firms and individuals may be involved in the development works of the Gram Panchayat.
The ACB has stated that legal action will be initiated against the accused soon, and full preparations are being made to ensure stern punishment for the culprits. The preliminary investigation has already revealed this case to be linked with a large-scale scam and financial irregularities.
