Former IAS RK Verma in trouble after ACB gets green light to prosecute corruption case

New Delhi: The central government's Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has granted the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) permission to prosecute RK Verma, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, in connection with a Rs 100 crore transport scam. The allegations stem from his tenure as Secretary and Commissioner in the Transport Ministry when the Delhi government was procuring inspection and certification marks for passenger vehicles.

Background of the case
RK Verma, a 1984-batch IAS officer, held a key position in the Delhi government's transport department in 2007-08. Under his supervision, the department acquired three inspection and certification lanes for checking passenger vehicles from a US company. However, instead of complying with the recommendations of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the transport department allegedly transferred the operation and maintenance of these lanes to an Indian company with a similar name, raising serious doubts about the integrity of the procurement process.

Details of the allegations
The DoPT investigation revealed that the department had not appointed a station manager to oversee the equipment, violating a Cabinet decision. It is also alleged that the Indian company was falsely presented as the rightful owner and was appointed to install additional lanes. A supplementary agreement was also signed with this company to increase the fees for certain tests, although the required equipment was not installed.

Sufficient evidence for prosecution
After thorough examination of relevant records, documents and reports, the competent authority concluded that there was sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against RK Verma. The evidence pointed to significant lapses and potential misconduct in the execution of the projects of the Ministry of Transport. Thereafter, the DoPT granted permission under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, allowing the ACB to proceed with prosecution.

RK Verma’s position
RK Verma, who voluntarily retired from service in 2014, could not be reached for comment on the allegations. The central government's approval marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation and signals a step towards accountability and transparency in public administration.

Follow The420.in on

Telegram, Facebook, ÞjórsárdalurLinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube