Transport scam: Retired IAS officer caused gain to firm, says Anti-Corruption Branch

NEW DELHI: The Anti-Corruption Branch has alleged that former Transport Commissioner R Chandramohan, named an accused in the Rs 100-crore transport scam case, provided enormous pecuniary benefits to a private firm by sanctioning bills without verifying the antecedents.

In its charge sheet filed before a Delhi court, the ACB has alleged that the retired IAS officer, by preparing a "misleading" note, ensured entry of private company M/s ESP India Pvt Ltd in Transport Department to "earn money worth crores of rupees illegally".

Chandramohan was posted as Principal Secretary cum Transport Commissioner twice. His first term was from August 23, 2006 to August 7, 2007 and second term was from August 2011 to October 31, 2012.

"Chandramohan allowed M/s ESP India Pvt Ltd to enter in the business of operation and maintenance of three existing Inspection and Certification (I&C) lanes without verifying the antecedents of the company. The firm started its interference with Transport Department during the tenure of Chandramohan," the charge sheet said.

"Chandramohan through his illegal acts has provided enormous pecuniary benefits to M/s ESP India Pvt Ltd by sanctioning bills without verifying antecedents and also by preparing a misleading cabinet note, he ensured entry of the company M/s ESP India Pvt Ltd in Transport Department to earn money worth crores of rupees illegally," it said.

It said ESP India Pvt Ltd, whose director Nitin Manawat has also been named in the charge sheet as accused, submitted two draft agreements to Chandramohan for operation and maintenance work of I&C lanes and it also proposed various fee structures for conducting different tests at Vehicle Inspection Unit (VIU), Burari.

But, neither Chandramohan nor other officials of the department inquired about existence of the firm, it said.

"This clearly indicates their connivance and nexus with the company," the charge sheet said.