Repair invoices for Pune Police motor transport dept's 760 vehicles raise queries 

Huge amounts spent by the Pune Police motor transport department on the repair, maintenance and servicing of their fleet of approximately 760 vehicles has come to light and is indicative of a fraud on the state exchequer. 

A scrutiny of some bills in possession with DNA revealed that in September 2008, the Pune Police Motor Transport (MT) department spent Rs14,956 on a single servicing of a Hero Honda CD Dawn motorcycle (bill no. 168 dated 23/9/08). 

The two-wheeler (MH-12 BS-1905) was purchased in January, 2003. 

In the next month, a bill of Rs14,949 was logged for the servicing of another motorcycle of the same make. Two months later, in December, 2008, this two- wheeler (MH-12 BS-1905) was again serviced with the bill coming to Rs6,507 (invoice no. 101). This motorcycle was purchased by the department in January 2003. 

A careful study of some vehicle servicing bills processed by the MT department shows a serious discrepancy on the price of “clutch plates” billed to the police department.

The prices in the bills have been found to vary from Rs75 to Rs450 between April and December 2008 although auto dealers told DNA that prices for these spare parts did not change drastically in that period. 

Some other motorcycle repair had entries for “clutch wheel” replacement priced between Rs115 to Rs200. Well-established mechanics with authorised dealers said that clutch wheels are used in scooterettes and not in motorcycles. 

Frequent servicing of vehicles, presenting of bills that appear inflated with over-priced spares and unnecessary repairs of newly purchased vehicles from unauthorised garages appear to be part of the modus operandi through which the state exchequer is being swindled by corrupt police officials. 

The Pune Police Commissionerate has a fleet of approximately 760 vehicles which include 455 motorcycles and 305 four wheelers (including cars and jeeps) besides four ambulances and three buses.

According to one estimate, the state treasury has been defrauded to the tune of about Rs10 lakhs in the last one year through questionable billing on servicing of vehicles and replacement of parts. A highly placed source told DNA that the Motor Transport (MT) department had commissioned repairs and maintenance to private garages instead of servicing centres recognised and authorised by the inspector general of police (MT). 

DNA has learnt that bills suspected to be fabricated with heavy sums on repairs and maintenance were being routinely processed in the motor transport section located at Shivajinagar. According to a source the purchase of 53 jeeps, 10 cars, four ambulances, three buses, 10 truck chassis and 225 motorcycles by the MT department in preparation for the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) last year came as a windfall for unscrupulous policemen who have been cheating the state through fabricated bills or unnecessary repairs. 

In one case, the front doors and the hinged back flap of a newly purchased truck were replaced with those of a condemned truck and a bill of Rs45,000 was submitted stating that new doors had been purchased for the truck. 

When approached for an explanation by DNA, additional commissioner of police (administration) Sanjeev Singhal said he would look into the matter. “I have not received any complaints,” he said.

Gitesh Shelke/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication