FIR against Naubatpur nagar panchayat officials

Patna: The urban development and housing department on Thursday registered an FIR against several officials and contractors associated with the Naubatpur nagar panchayat. The action followed an investigation conducted by Patna district magistrate Thiyagarajan S M into alleged financial and procedural irregularities.The inquiry focused on the procurement of household dustbins, mobile toilets and high-capacity refuse containers meant for urban sanitation services. Officials found that mandatory tender procedures were allegedly bypassed, with no public notices published in newspapers and competitive bidding replaced by restricted procurement methods.The report stated that materials were purchased at prices significantly higher than prevailing market rates and did not meet prescribed technical specifications. Mobile toilets procured under the scheme reportedly became unusable within a short period due to poor quality.The FIR names the former chairman, the executive officer, the vice-chairman and members of the standing committee, along with the supply agencies and contractors involved in the transactions.“The state govt maintains a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and irregularities in govt schemes. The guilty will not be spared under any circumstances, and strict action will be taken as per the law,” deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha said.