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Delhi ACB arrests engineer and contractor over misuse of irrigation and flood control funds of Rs 4 crore

Delhi's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has found out that reinforced cement concrete drains and roads in North Delhi's Siraspur for which the funds were released are non-existent.

The committee found that in four cases, 100 per cent of the tendered amount was disbursed, even though no work had been executed. (Archive)

The Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) arrested an executive engineer and contractor of the irrigation and flood control department on Monday for the alleged misappropriation of more than Rs 4 crore over works that were never executed.

ACB chief Madhur Verma said in a statement, “The arrested accused have been identified as Gagan Kureel (under suspension since December 2023) and Arun Gupta, proprietor of M/s Baba Construction Company.”

“Multiple violations of the CPWD Works Manual, GFR-2005, and CVC Guidelines were detected. It also came to fore that fraudulent payments exceeding Rs 4.6 crore were made to contractors for non-existent civil works. RCC (reinforced cement concrete) drains and roads in Village Siraspur, North Delhi, were found to exist only on paper and not on the ground. Apart from this, fake performance bank guarantees worth R 2.24 crore were submitted and accepted in gross violation of established Rules,” the statement further read.

The investigations began after a complaint was received by the vigilance branch of the irrigation and flood control department. A preliminary inquiry was initiated by a committee of engineers formed by the department’s principal secretary to verify the works in question.

The committee found that in four cases, 100 per cent of the tendered amount was disbursed, even though no work had been executed.

The fraud involved the submission of forged bank guarantees and manipulated measurement and material test records.

Following the findings, prior sanction under section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2018 was obtained and in March the FIR was registered.

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The ACB further said in the statement, “M/s Baba Construction Company was awarded three tenders worth approximately Rs 5.3 crore for construction of both-side Reinforced Cement Concrete drains and roads in Siraspur, North Delhi. No work was executed, yet Rs 4.2 crore was released fraudulently.”

Similarly, according to the ACB, M/s Amba Construction Company received Rs 43.74 lakh against a contract valued at Rs 38.98 lakh for repair and painting work at the CTP Network in Burari, North Delhi. Again, no work was found on site, the agency said.

Sakshi Chand

Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More

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