Himachal Sanitiser scam: Tender papers tampered with

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 2

Investigations into the secretariat sanitiser scam have revealed that the tender document was tampered with to keep the lowest bidder out.

Accused government supplier Lalit Kumar had quoted Rs 370 for a 500ml bottle of sanitiser, while another bidder had quoted Rs 330 for the same. In the comparative statement, Rs 370 was shown as Rs 300 to award tender to Lalit Kumar.

The price of a 100 ml bottle was inflated from Rs 50 to Rs 150 and supplied to the department at Rs 130 a bottle.

The inquiry report hints at collusion between the supplier and department officials. The Anti-Corruption Bureau and Vigilance have sought permission to prosecute the superintendent concerned.

In fact, two pharma companies had delivered sanitiser to an employee of the Secretariatfor free distribution among staff. The stock made way into the hands of Lalit Kumar.