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Fake MoU, missing docs place nine DUSIB officials under ACB scanner

Bogus project in Delhi's Patel Nagar registered during Covid lockdown, says FIR

Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, DUSIB, Anti Corruption Branch, delhi Anti Corruption Branch, delhi news, India news, Indian express, current affairs

The case was filed after a complaint was received from the Vigilance Branch of the DUSIB.

A fabricated memorandum of understanding (MoU), missing labour certificates and cement bills; and claims of a project being undertaken during the lockdown period in 2020 amid the pandemic when construction activities were restricted: these are some of the discrepancies that have placed at least nine officials of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) under the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) scanner in an alleged fraud to the tune of over Rs 15 lakh.

ACB chief Madhur Verma confirmed that an FIR was registered on Tuesday under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, cheating, and criminal conspiracy over alleged irregularities and bogus payments.

The case was filed after a complaint was received from the Vigilance Branch of the DUSIB. The officials of the C-10 division were allegedly involved in a bogus project for the improvement of internal lanes in an area of Patel Nagar under a scheme related to SC/ST settlements. In the complaint, concerns were also raised regarding the manipulation of project records, unauthorised payment approvals, and failure to follow due process.

“There is a circular issued by the Budget & Finance Officer (BFO), DUSIB, dated May 5, 2020, wherein certain conditions have been mentioned. The dates of collection of samples by the QC (Quality Control) unit fall between March and May 2020 — a complete lockdown period,” the FIR states. There is documentary evidence that the department has been duped and bogus payment to the tune of Rs 15,21,445 has been made in the case, it adds.

During the inquiry into the matter, ACB officials said, a fabricated MOU was found on record in the file pertaining to the alleged work wherein the private contractor had hired a firm, M/S Wondermix ready mix Concrete Pvt Ltd, for the supply of ready mix concrete (RMC). Upon questioning, the director of the company, however, denied any relation with the MOU and termed it as “bogus”, the inquiry revealed.

As per the records of the quality control unit of DUSIB, some tests were allegedly conducted by the QC unit, and a site inspection was done. However, there were no records of RMC supplied at the site, raising questions about the authenticity of the inspection and further implicating the QC officials in the conspiracy.

“A number of discrepancies were found during verification of the facts such as missing labour certificates, cement bills, and signatures on the first and final bills raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the work done and showed a blatant disregard of the officials for established procedures and protocols,” an official said. The FIR raises questions, claiming the work could not have been carried out as the entire country was under a complete lockdown between March 26, 2020, and June 8, 2020 due to Covid. Even after June 8, only the urgent and important work could be carried out in an emergency and that too with the prior permission of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the FIR claims.

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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