Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari on Thursday suspended Nehru Nagar Zone Deputy Engineer Vijendra Sahare for withholding a contractor’s payment despite completion of work. He also initiated departmental inquiries against two senior officials — former Nehru Nagar Zone Deputy Engineer Girish Likhar (now Executive Engineer) and Executive Engineer Naresh Singanjode — for lapses in supervision.
As per officials, the matter concerns the construction of a protection wall along a drain in Prabhag 26, Darshan Colony, under Nehru Nagar Zone. A work order worth Rs 39 lakh was issued to Lectreco Engineering Company on March 15, 2024. The project was delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, followed by heavy rains.
The contractor ultimately completed the wall and submitted the bill in December 2024. However, Sahare withheld payment, claiming the bill was inflated. After repeated complaints, Dr. Chaudhari ordered a site inspection and inquiry, which highlighted lapses by the engineers.
Based on the report, Sahare — already transferred to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority — was suspended. Meanwhile, a departmental probe will establish the responsibility of Likhar and Singanjode.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (General Administration) Vijaya Bankar confirmed the development, stating, “while Sahare’s suspension is immediate, the other two engineers will face detailed internal inquiry.”
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com