In a major corruption bust, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has arrested Gagan Kureel, a suspended executive engineer from Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department, and Arun Gupta, a private contractor, for siphoning off Rs4.6 crore meant for public infrastructure in Siraspur, North Delhi.
According to the ACB, the arrests followed an investigation revealing fraudulent disbursal of funds for road and drainage projects that were never carried out. Gupta, the owner of Baba Construction Pvt Ltd, allegedly received Rs4.2 crore in payments for non-existent work.
“None of the approved works were physically executed, yet full payments were made. This scam came to light during a verification drive after a tip-off,” said Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police (ACB).
The probe uncovered that forged documents and fake bank guarantees worth Rs2.24 crore were submitted and accepted without due verification. The Computerised Measurement Books (CMBs), which should record actual work done, were found missing. Kureel allegedly evaded questions and bypassed standard protocols.
Additionally, another contractor, Amba Construction, was paid Rs43.74 lakh—exceeding their contract limit—even though no work was completed in Burari.
The arrests were made after an FIR was registered under IPC sections related to cheating, conspiracy, and forgery, along with provisions from the Prevention of Corruption Act. Authorities obtained necessary sanctions under Section 17A of the amended anti-corruption law.
“The investigation continues, and further arrests of officials and contractors may follow,” Verma added.
