Port tug repair work delayed

VISAKHAPATNAM, Nov 4: The Vigilance Department of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust has stalled the procedure of award of work for repair to a tu...

VISAKHAPATNAM, Nov 4: The Vigilance Department of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust has stalled the procedure of award of work for repair to a tug after it had been brought to its notice that the lowest amount quoted was far higher than the actual cost of the component needing repair.

According to highly placed sources, the action is in fact belated as the VPT had on two occasions had the component – coolers – of the tug – Sahay – repaired by paying Rs 10.39 lakh each time though the actual price of the cooler was Rs 1.28 lakh.

The coolers in tugs wear out fast because they have to perform heavy duty of cooling high temperature of the tugs while they “pull” ships into the port from roads.

It is said that the port authorities had given the work of repair in 1995 and 1996 for an exorbitant amount of over Rs.10 lakh though the guidelines say new component should be bought if the repair cost would go beyond 30 per cent of its actual price. The vigilance officials are going through the case through with a finetoothed comb to fix responsibility, sources said.

SP leader Azam Khan walks out of jail after 23 months, hundreds of supporters welcome him

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Senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who is facing multiple cases, walked out of the Sitapur jail today after 23 months. He was scheduled to be released early Tuesday morning, but it was delayed due to impending court proceedings. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Sitapur jail, waiting for the SP leader to walk out of prison.

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