DNA SPECIAL: Defence PSU BEL suspends internal probe team that exposed corruption

The defence public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has suspended its three-member investigation panel, who had unearthed irregularities in the Indian Air Force's confidential Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) project, citing them of acting in "prejudicial" manner that was against the company's interest.

The investigation panel in its report had pointed irregularities in awarding consultancy contract to a private firm RD Konsultants for Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) project at 10 locations.

The report had stated: "A company that came into existence in April 2010 showed its employees had an experience of five years in 2013."

DNA had exposed irregularities in awarding contracts in an April 3 report ('Bharat Electronics bent norms to favour private firm: Report').

It was also found a BEL senior officer PK Bhola who was behind awarding contract to the private vendor to prepare a Preliminary Project Report, later joined the same company after his retirement. The PSU awarded RD Konsultants to prepare the PPR in 2011 and then again brought as the design consultant in 2013, violating laid out norms.

Also the role of senior Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officers is under the scanner since it was DRDO which recommended the name of RD Konsultant to BEL, although it was done informally.

Sources said that after the scam came out in public domain, the inquiry committee headed by MM Pandey was suspended and all the three members, including Pandey were issued show cause notice and were put on suspension. The committed was set up by the BEL's Chief Vigilance officer (CVO) Siva Kumar. After Kumar's tenure ended in April, Shrikant Walgad, an IAS officer of the Haryana Cadre, took over charge as CVO. Kumar before his tenure end had submitted the inquiry report.

Further it is also alleged that instead of taking action against the corrupt officers, BEL Chairman MV Gowtama suspended the investigation team members. "Kumar in his note dated March 29, 2019 sent to Chairman BEL, Ministry of Defence and the Chief Vigilance Commission had alleged deep-rooted corruption recommending strong action against erring officers and related firms," said a source.

The phone calls and emails to BEL remained unanswered till the time the article is going for print.

The crackdown against the probe team started after Kumar, the CVO who was appointed by CVC, had established in the investigation report alleged irregularities and had recommended BEL to management for immediate action against suspected eight corrupt officers.

Laid Bare

DNA had exposed irregularities in awarding contracts in defence public sector Bharat Electronics Ltd in an April 3 report titled ‘Bharat Electronics bent norms to favour private firm: Report’