Ex-chairperson of CMC charged in power fixture scam

THE CASE
>> CMC tender for supply of electrical fixtures awarded to M/s Mahalaxmi Electricals, Margao
>> The winning bidder did not supply the material but submitted bills claiming full amount
>> However, the bill was not passed as there was suspicion regarding the actual supply of material
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PANAJI: The Goa Police Crime Branch investigating the irregularities in the purchase of electrical fixtures, on Tuesday filed a charge sheet in the Margao South Goa Sessions Court.
The charge sheet names then Chairperson of Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) Devendra Dessai and Tukaram Chaudhari the owner of Mahalaxmi Electricals. They have been charged under sections 120 B, 420, 511 IPC and section 13 (1) (d) r/w 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.
A complaint was first filed by the Department of Urban Development in March 2014 after an initial investigation by the Anti Corruption Bureau found suspicious transactions of purchase of electrical fixtures when in fact the municipal council didn’t receive any fixtures.
The initial complaint by the Department of Urban Development had not named any persons in the FIR.
The duo has been booked for hatching criminal conspiracy to cheat the Government in the matter of purchase of street light fittings with CFL lamps.
The investigation revealed that tender was floated by Cuncolim Municipal Council vide tender notice dated 08/12/2011 for supply of electrical fixtures and the tender was awarded to M/s Mahalaxmi Electricals, Margao.
The winning bidder, however, did not supply the material as per supply order but submitted bills claiming full amount of Rs 26,34,637. However the bill was not passed as there was suspicion regarding the actual supply of material as the goods were not traceable.