PCMC Rs. 52 Crore Bill Scam Deepens; BJP Corporators’ Signatures Surface

• Irregular payments row intensifies as probe begins; questions raised over role of officials and approval process

Pimpri : The controversy over alleged irregular payments of around Rs. 52 crore in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has escalated, with fresh revelations pointing to the involvement of BJP corporators in the approval process.

A probe committee has been constituted following allegations that payments were cleared through bogus supplementary notes in violation of rules. While both the ruling BJP and opposition parties have targeted the civic administration, documents now indicate that two BJP corporators from the standing committee had signed the proposal involving financial “additions and deletions”.

Sources said corporator Archana Karande signed as the proposer, while Yogita Nagargoje endorsed the proposal. However, instead of being routed through the standing committee chairman, the proposal was allegedly sent directly to the accounts department, raising serious procedural concerns.

The irregular payments are suspected to have been processed under the watch of chief accounts and finance officer Pravin Kumar Jain, who is now facing calls for a detailed inquiry and immediate compulsory leave pending investigation.

Municipal commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi has ordered a probe into the matter. As the investigation unfolds, speculation is rife over the key mastermind behind the proposal and the extent of involvement of officials and elected representatives.

The issue has triggered a political storm within the civic body, with further revelations expected in the coming days.