GHMC Repatriates Financial Adviser Following Double Billing Inquiry

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has repatriated its financial adviser, K Sarath Chandra, to his parent department following a Vigilance inquiry into allegations of duplicate and excess payments made to contractors in Hyderabad.

GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan announced in an official release on Tuesday that Sarath Chandra has been directed to report to the State Audit Director for further orders. The civic body stated that the matter was detected internally by the GHMC.

The action follows an inquiry conducted by the Additional Superintendent of Police, Vigilance, who submitted a report on August 28. Based on the findings of that investigation, a showcause notice was issued to Sarath Chandra on August 29.

While allegations surfaced regarding duplicate and excess payments exceeding Rs 100 crore to more than 200 contractors, the GHMC maintained that the provisional figure identified so far stands at Rs 6.92 crore. According to officials, the identified amount includes duplicate bills worth more than Rs 6 crore and excess payments of approximately Rs 80 lakh.

To establish the exact extent of the financial irregularities, a Special Audit of TReDS, ERP, and General Fund transactions has been recommended. The corporation confirmed that any additional amounts uncovered during the audit will be recovered.

Around Rs 7 crore has reportedly been recovered from contractors to date. Nearly 100 contractors have returned excess funds through demand drafts drawn in favour of the GHMC commissioner, as officials continue to examine records to trace other recipients of duplicate payments.

In addition to the transfer of the financial adviser, officials are examining disciplinary steps against a computer operator who worked in the concerned section. A file seeking the termination of the operator's services is currently being processed.