Jang-E-Azadi Monument Corruption Case: Vigilance Summons Senior Journalist Barjinder Singh Hamdard
Former IAS officer Vinay Bublani, along with six others have also been summoned
JALANDHAR: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the Jang-e-Azadi monument, situated at Kartarpur. The bureau has issued another summons to senior journalist Barjinder Singh Hamdard, and this time, former IAS officer Vinay Bublani, along with six former Executive Engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), have also been called to appear on August 11. Dissatisfaction with Hamdard's previous response is cited as the reason for the renewed summons.
The Notice issued by the vigilance department outlines serious concerns about various irregularities and discrepancies related to the construction of the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial. Specifically, the notice highlights alleged scams involving the Godrej Company, which was entrusted with constructing the statue and galleries at the memorial site. The vigilance department contends that the company failed to complete the project, leaving the memorial unfinished. Despite the incomplete work, the Godrej Company was reportedly paid the full amount instead of being penalized.
Notably, The notice reveals that the agreement between the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial Committee and the Godrej Company stipulated the construction of ten galleries. However, the company is accused of only building six galleries, failing to fulfill its contractual obligations. Furthermore, it is alleged that the statues for the galleries were not constructed as agreed upon. Additionally, certain activities undertaken by the company in collaboration with the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial Committee apparently occurred without proper tender issuance.
The Vigilance notice expresses disappointment with Barjinder Singh Hamdard's previous response, claiming that he neither attended the vigilance office when summoned nor provided satisfactory answers to the questions posed. Consequently, a fresh opportunity is being extended to Barjinder Singh Hamdard, along with former IAS officer Vinay Bublani and six executive engineers from the Public Works Department, to appear and provide clarifications on August 11.