QUETTA: Taking notice of media reports, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Balochistan has registered a case involving alleged corruption worth Rs1 billion in the Irrigation Department and arrested its Deputy Director Talha Bugti.
The development follows reports published on Aug 12 regarding the alleged sale of government vehicles and heavy machinery at unusually low prices during two auctions conducted by the department in February and October 2024.
According to documents obtained during the investigation, more than 70 used government vehicles and pieces of heavy machinery were auctioned in the two sales. The items included Land Cruisers, double-cabin vehicles, trucks, tankers, dumpers, dozers, tractors, excavators and other equipment.
A 2000-model Land Cruiser was reportedly auctioned for Rs350,000, while some double-cabin vehicles were sold for between Rs300,000 and Rs400,000. Several Toyota Hilux double-cabin vehicles were allegedly sold for as little as Rs250,000.
Similarly, Pajero jeeps were auctioned for between Rs165,000 and Rs200,000, dozers for Rs500,000 to Rs900,000 and tractors for Rs150,000 to Rs200,000. Mazda trucks were reportedly sold for Rs600,000 to Rs800,000.
One excavator, described in the documents as being worth millions of rupees, was allegedly auctioned for only Rs110,000.
Chief engineer had opposed auction
The documents showed that several vehicles and machines were declared unusable before being put up for auction. However, the chief engineer of the Irrigation Department had reportedly opposed the sale of the used vehicles.
The auction process has also raised questions about alleged favoritism. According to the investigation, specific contractors participated in the bidding and obtained valuable government assets at prices substantially lower than their market value.
The sale of a truck containing generators and other valuable equipment is also being examined. The entire truck, along with the generators, was allegedly sold for Rs1 million. Caterpillar dozers, high-quality generators and other heavy machinery were also reportedly auctioned at what investigators believe were unusually low prices.
The ACE has obtained the records of both auctions held in 2024 and launched a detailed inquiry. Investigators are reviewing the list of vehicles and machinery, their assessed and auction prices, the bidding process and the relevant departmental documents to determine the extent and nature of the alleged irregularities.
The investigation is also examining administrative arrangements within the department, including the reported assignment of additional charge of several important posts, including inspector and examiner, to a porter.
Authorities are expected to determine responsibility after completing scrutiny of the auction records and recording statements of officials and contractors involved in the process.
