Corruption Scandal Hits WAPCOS: Ex-Chairman's Alleged Misconduct

In a major development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a corruption case against former chairman-cum-managing director of Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS), Rajni Kant Agrawal. The move follows a complaint lodged by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which oversees WAPCOS, alleging financial improprieties.

The charges include Agrawal receiving monetary benefits from contractors to pay for his son's education at the Vellore Institute of Technology between 2018 and 2022. These benefits reportedly amounted to over Rs 11.26 lakh, covering tuition fees, airfare for travel from Delhi to Chennai during holidays, and miscellaneous expenses.

The ministry based its complaint on a report from WAPCOS' chief vigilance officer, detailing the misuse of project funds. A significant payment of Rs. 2.50 Lakhs was allegedly made as tuition through a Demand Draft issued by Hari Chand Arora, a former expert at WAPCOS. The investigation is ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)