Sub-Approval Scam in PCMC Swells to Rs. 60 Crore; 14 Bogus Entries Exposed

• Chief Accountant’s Name Missing from Inquiry Report
• Request for 10 Days to Decide Further Fuels Suspicion

Pimpri : The alleged sub-approval scam in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has escalated to nearly Rs. 60 crore, with a 243-page inquiry report exposing 14 bogus entries, even as delays in action by Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi raise fresh concerns over accountability.

The case has taken a further twist with discussions suggesting the involvement of a city MLA. Allegations that the MLA met former inquiry committee chairman Vijaykumar Khorate, and reportedly summoned current Additional Commissioner Kuldeep Jangam and officials linked to the probe to a private bungalow, have placed the inquiry process under a cloud of suspicion. These developments have raised serious questions about transparency within the municipal administration. Taxpayers are demanding strict action against those responsible, while citizens are closely watching what action will be taken and what decision will emerge after the 10-day period.

In the report submitted to the Commissioner, the names of employees Sagar Pawar, Sachin Rane, Yogesh Pawar, Arun Gundragal, and Rajesh Chavan have been mentioned. However, sources claim that the name of Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Praveen Jain is missing. This has raised questions over whether the departmental inquiry will be comprehensive or limited only to lower-level officials. Notably, despite allegations against him, Jain’s name does not appear in the Commissioner’s communication to the Standing Committee, sparking speculation that there may be attempts to shield senior officials.

Demand for Criminal Action in Bogus Approval Scam

“We had submitted certain sub-approvals to be placed before the Standing Committee. However, instead of being presented in the meeting, they were directly processed in the accounts department and payments were made on that basis. This amounts to deception on our part as well. This is completely wrong, and strict action must be taken against those responsible.”

“According to the committee report, bogus sub-approvals were issued to release payments worth Rs. 60 crore to contractors. Those involved in the case- including officials, contractors, and the key persons behind the scam-must be identified, and criminal action should be taken against them,” demanded corporator Sulabha Ubale of the Shinde Sena and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) corporator Sandeep Waghere.

– Yogita Nagargoje, Corporator, BJP

“The irregularities carried out through 14 bogus sub-approvals in the functioning of the Standing Committee are extremely serious. Despite my submitting a written complaint in this regard, the administration proceeded to clear the bills, which has been taken seriously. As per the preliminary inquiry based on my letter, the name of Praveen Jain has surfaced, and directions have been given to the Commissioner to submit a detailed report within 10 days.”

– Abhishek Barne, Chairman, Standing Committee, Municipal Corporation