A surprise inspection by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption sleuths revealed that the Public Works Department officials had made final payment to a contractor much before the construction work of the building was completed.
The building remains incomplete even four months after the payment was made.
Led by the Deputy Inspection Cell officer, Sathyavasagan Selvakumar, the vigilance Deputy Superintendent of Police, V. Shyamala Devi, on Saturday inspected the building meant to house the office of the Deputy Transport Commissioner in front of the Collectorate here.
Investigation revealed that the contractor, the lowest bidder, Tirupathiraj, had started the construction work in December 2010.
The Assistant Engineer, Assistant Executive Engineer and the Executive Engineer of Buildings Wing of PWD had inspected the construction work on different dates.
Based on their report, the Superintending Engineer had issued a work completion certificate and released the final payment for the work worth more than Rs.44 lakh in March this year. During the inspection, the officials found that the false ceiling work, flooring work, electrical connections, electrical fittings and toilet works remained incomplete.
Files taken
The officials have taken with them the measurement book, estimate file and agreement file. A detailed report on the issue would be forwarded to the State Government for further action, an official said.
Among the inspecting officials were the vigilance Inspectors of Police, S. Swaminathan and S. Ganesadas.
