MGNREGA project files found with contractors in Kushtagi, raising graft concerns

(Pic: AI)Koppal: A major irregularity has surfaced at the rural drinking water and sanitation sub-division office in Kushtagi, where 92 crucial files related to check dam works under the 2019-20 MGNREGA scheme were found in the possession of contractors. Allegations have also emerged that officials themselves facilitated the transfer of these files.The documents pertain to a check dam construction scam involving bogus billing, substandard work and an ongoing criminal case. Questions are now being raised over how and why such sensitive records ended up with contractors.The issue came to light after a dispute between department staff and contractors, which revealed that the files were not returned to the office after being handed over earlier. Despite directions from higher authorities to retrieve the records, the files did not reach the divisional office until recently.Earlier probes into the scam exposed large-scale irregularities, leading to criminal cases against engineers and staff. Several check dams were found to be poorly built, prompting the govt to withhold payments. Over Rs 8 crore remains unpaid to contractors linked to 92 check dams, triggering protests and political pressure.Following the exposure, sub-division officials reportedly made urgent efforts on Monday to retrieve the files. A contractor was seen hurriedly bringing all 92 files in a car and handing them over to the office.Confirming the development, RWS Koppal division executive engineer Mahesh Shastri said engineers were directed to immediately submit all check dam-related files, effectively acknowledging that the records were with contractors. However, he declined to say whether a police complaint would be filed.In contrast, RWS sub-division assistant executive engineer Suresh denied that the files had gone missing, claiming they were always in the office and would be sent to the divisional office as instructed. The contradictory statements have further deepened suspicion over the incident.