A case related to a solar energy project has come to light in the Mauganj district of Madhya Pradesh, raising questions about the functioning of the electricity department. After an investigation into a 2 MW solar power plant set up in the Hanumana area revealed alleged financial irregularities and misuse of departmental resources, the department suspended a Junior Engineer (JE). A case has also been registered with the police against his wife.
Major revelation in Mauganj solar plant investigation
Following an investigation into the construction work related to a 2 MW solar power plant in the Hanumana area of Mauganj district, the electricity department has taken major action. The department has suspended Junior Engineer (JE) Ranjeet Kumar Sahu. A case has been registered against his wife, Mamta Kumari, at the Hanumana police station under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Allegation of taking contract by forming a company in wife's name
The investigation revealed that a firm named "M/s Om Enterprises" was being operated in the name of Ranjeet Kumar Sahu's wife. It is alleged that this firm was awarded the contract for work related to electrical connections and line extension for the solar power plant. Investigation agencies are also trying to determine whether there was any irregularity in the contract allocation process.
Questions raised over use of departmental material
A preliminary investigation uncovered a bill of approximately Rs 1.67 lakh related to the project, which was submitted for payment. When the investigation team examined the equipment and materials on site, they found that many items bore the names of electricity department companies.
Current transformers (CT), control cables, and other equipment were found to have markings of Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited and Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited. This has strengthened suspicions of government material being used in a private project.
Irregularity also found in VCB nameplate
The investigation team found that the nameplate of the vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) had the buyer's information erased. Officials have considered this a serious irregularity. Investigators believe that an attempt may have been made to conceal information related to the actual purchase and use of the equipment.
Complaint reached Jabalpur headquarters
After the complaint reached the power company's headquarters in Jabalpur, the responsibility for the investigation was assigned to the Chief Engineer (Enforcement) in Rewa. The investigation committee inspected the solar power plant site and thoroughly examined the equipment, records, and payment documents. After the report indicated irregularities at multiple levels, the department took immediate action and suspended the concerned JE.
Suspicion of material from other areas being used
The investigation also revealed that some equipment is said to be related to the Indore area. This has raised suspicions that departmental material may have been removed from other works and used in this project. However, this aspect can only be confirmed after a detailed investigation.
Police and departmental investigation ongoing
After the FIR was registered, the police have started investigating the matter. The electricity department is also conducting a thorough inquiry into the entire case at its level. Officials say that further action will be taken based on the facts that emerge from the investigation.
For now, this case raises several important questions regarding transparency in government projects, monitoring systems, and departmental accountability. Investigation agencies are now connecting the links in the case to clarify the role of those responsible.
