PHE Officials Caught in Web of Lies: Initial Claims About Pump’s Location Contradicted by Evidence
- A discarded PHE tanker was found missing its pump and tires, with evidence indicating the government driver of tanker, Pawan, stole the pump and used it on his personal vehicle for months.
- When confronted by the media, officials initially claimed the pump is at the PHE yard, but later changed their story, claiming the equipment was temporarily provided to a private vehicle for an emergency.
- The officials’ contradictory statements and the lack of an immediate inquiry raise serious concerns and suspicion about their involvement in the theft and cover-up.
- The public demands a thorough investigation into the matter, seeking accountability and punishment for the officials involved in this blatant disregard for government resources and their attempts to deceive the public.
Akhnoor, June 15, 2024: A blatant case of theft and a subsequent cover-up operation within the PHE department in Akhnoor have exposed a deep-rooted culture of corruption and a blatant disregard for accountability.
The incident came to light when a PHE tanker was found missing its pump and tires at 1:51 PM on 15/06/2024. However, when the media became aware of the theft, the department swiftly attempted to cover up the incident, reinstalling the pump and tires on the tanker at 6:51 PM, within a mere five hours. This hasty action only intensifies suspicions of a larger conspiracy.
The driver, identified as Pawan, confessed to removing the pump and confirmed that it is currently in the possession of a private individual. He was found to have been using the stolen pump on his personal vehicle for several months. This, along with his own personal tanker, suggests a possible larger scheme involving the theft and use of government resources for private gain.
When questioned, JE Saudagar claimed ignorance of the incident, stating that AEE Tilak Raj was responsible for overseeing government tankers. AEE Tilak Sharma initially claimed that the pump was temporarily attached to a private vehicle for a two-day emergency, but later admitted that it remained on the private vehicle for almost two months.
Upon being confronted with photographic evidence, the JE, AEE, and XEN, initially claiming the pump and tires were at the PHE yard, but changed their narrative after photographic evidence. AEE asserted that due to the hot weather, the tires and pump set were provided to a private vehicle hired by the PHE department. This explanation further raises concerns as the XEN, instead of ordering an inquiry, promptly instructed the clerk to seek inventory list from AEE concerning.
The absence of a proper investigation raises serious questions about the involvement of the entire hierarchy of the PHE Akhnoor department. Is this a case of blatant misuse of government resources to benefit private individuals? Why was an inquiry not ordered, and why was the equipment quickly returned to the department’s possession without a thorough investigation?
This incident has ignited public outrage, demanding a thorough inquiry into the matter and severe punishment for the guilty officers and officials. The public is calling for a complete overhaul of the department to ensure that accountability and ethical practices are prioritized, preventing such corrupt practices from becoming commonplace.
Jammu Jottings will continue to investigate this matter and bring to light further instances of corruption within the PHE department.
