Is There an NHAI Scam? CBI Charges Engineers and Builders for Falsifying Road Quality Reports
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Synopsis
A shocking cash-for-quality audit report scam has been uncovered by the CBI involving NHAI officials and builders. Discover how this scandal unfolded, the figures involved, and the implications for public trust in infrastructure projects.
Key Takeaways
- CBI has charged engineers and builders for bribery.
- Bribes exceeded Rs 10 lakh related to NHAI projects.
- Corruption in public works threatens infrastructure integrity.
- Legal actions invoke the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- Transparency is crucial for restoring public trust.
New Delhi, July 14 (NationPress) In a major revelation surrounding a cash-for-quality audit report scam involving the NHAI, the CBI has filed charges against two engineers, a member of the resolution board, and five additional individuals, including builders and a middleman, for accepting bribes exceeding Rs 10 lakh related to a project in Jharkhand, as confirmed by an official statement on Monday.
The CBI's investigation has implicated two Deputy Managers of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and a retired engineer serving on the Dispute Resolution Board (DRB) for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for providing favorable Quality Audit Reports (QARs) to contractors involved in the Rs 818 crore project aimed at widening National Highway-75 in Jharkhand.
A Quality Audit Team evaluated the project, which was carried out by several contractors, with Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon taking the lead, from June 26 to June 30, as per the FIR.
The FIR claims that representatives from NHAI engaged in corrupt activities by accepting and/or conspiring to receive illegal payments in exchange for issuing favorable QARs for the inspection of the Package-III project in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from Manish Mishra, Chief Operating Officer of M/s Bharat Vanijya Eastern Private Limited (BVEPL).
According to information obtained by the federal agency, Rakesh Bhasin, a member of the DRB and a retired Chief Engineer with the Military Engineering Service, was purportedly set to receive a bribe of Rs 4 lakh at his residence in Jaipur, while NHAI's Deputy Manager Swatantra Gaurav's friend Dheeraj retrieved Rs 5 lakh on his behalf.
Additionally, a bribe of Rs 1 lakh was scheduled to be given to another NHAI Deputy Manager, Vishwajeet Singh, under the instructions of Manish Mishra, as stated in the FIR.
The CBI FIR, filed on July 12, indicates, “The actions of obtaining and accepting undue advantages by these public servants, private individuals, and unknown officials of NHAI reveal offenses punishable under Sections 7, 7A, 8, 9, 10, and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Therefore, a regular case is registered…”
The provisions cited in the FIR pertain to criminal conspiracy and the bribery of public servants or attempts to gain undue advantages.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight that the integrity of public infrastructure projects is foundational to national development. The CBI's actions reflect a determined effort to combat corruption and restore public trust in institutions like the NHAI. This case serves as a reminder that accountability is essential in maintaining the quality and safety of our roads.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NHAI scam about?
The NHAI scam involves allegations against two engineers and several others for accepting bribes to provide favorable quality audit reports for a road project in Jharkhand.
How much money was involved in the scam?
The scam involved bribes exceeding Rs 10 lakh.
What actions did the CBI take?
The CBI filed charges against the accused individuals for their involvement in corrupt practices related to the NHAI project.
What are the legal repercussions for those involved?
The charges include violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which could lead to serious legal consequences for the accused.
What impact does this have on public trust?
This scandal may undermine public trust in infrastructure projects, highlighting the need for increased transparency and accountability.
