Lokayukta scanner on 'missing signature' on Mahakal Lok docus

BHOPAL: A preliminary probe by Lokayukta organisation into the Mahakal Lok Corridor project has detected multiple issues with the tendering process, sources told TOI.
Among the shockers are that no one from Ujjain Smart City has signed the agreement with the company that built the idols, and the documents do not mention any specifications of the idols, including the ones that toppled during a thundershower on May 28, said sources.The investigating officer has asked the Ujjain Smart city office to send more documents by July 20. "How can they award a work order without mentioning the specifications in the request for proposal (RFP)," asked an officer privy to the information.
Earlier, blurred photocopies of certain documents related to the Mahakal Lok Corridor project were submitted by Ujjain Smart City officials after an ultimatum from the Lokayukta organization. "Not only are the requisite documents incomplete, but some of the papers they have provided can't be read. They should be cautious while responding to a probe initiated by the organisation," said an officer at the Lokayukta.
The technical team of Lokayukta had asked for measurements and other details of the project. Reminders were sent to the authorities in connection with the second complaint, adding to the ongoing investigation into three separate cases, including the collapse of six of the seven Saptarishi idols a few weeks ago.
Mahakal row: Notice issued to 15 officers
The second complaint was filed by a resident of Tarana in Ujjain district, and the Lokayukta had taken notice of it, demanding a response from the executive director of the Ujjain Smart City Project in December 2022.
The first phase of the Mahakal Lok Corridor, costing Rs 316 crore out of the estimated Rs 850 crore project, was inaugurated on October 11. Following the initial complaint regarding alleged financial irregularities in the construction work, the Lokayukta had issued notices to 15 individuals, including the Ujjain collector and two other IAS officers, requiring them to respond by October 28. Fourteenofficers have appeared for a personal hearing before the Lokayukta, while the Ujjain collector was on leave during this period.
The complaint alleges that the parking lot fails to meet quality standards, and contractors have submitted undue bills that were approved by certain officials without proper verification. The Lokayukta's notice to these officers acknowledges that the complainant's allegations were found to be correct during the preliminary investigation.
The Mahakal Lok Corridor, developed by Ujjain Smart City, aims to decongest the area while emphasizing the conservation and restoration of heritage structures.