Published on: January 31, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Serious allegations of corruption have surfaced in the ambitious ₹290-crore road construction project connecting Rajnandgaon to Ambagarh Chowki and Mohla–Manpur, prompting former councillor and social activist Hemant Ostwal to seek intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
In a written representation addressed to both leaders, Ostwal has demanded registration of an FIR against concerned Public Works Department (PWD) officials and contractor Amar Builders of Durg, alleging manipulation of tender documents and violation of government norms, resulting in major financial loss to the state exchequer.
According to Ostwal, the project—covering nearly 95 kilometres and sanctioned by the Central Government at an estimated cost of around ₹300 crore—was initially awarded to Amar Builders at 20 percent below the estimated rate, which was later allegedly altered to 17 percent through irregular means. He claimed that fake documents were used in the tender process, enabling the contractor to gain undue benefit of nearly ₹8 crore at the tender stage itself, causing substantial loss to the government.
The matter had earlier been raised by Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey, who reportedly submitted a formal complaint to the Secretary of the PWD, Government of Chhattisgarh. The issue has also been highlighted in local newspapers.
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Ostwal alleged collusion between departmental officials, including the Executive Engineer, and the contractor. He has demanded:
- Immediate registration of FIRs against all responsible officials and the contractor
- Suspension of the concerned Executive Engineer
- Formation of a high-level inquiry committee
- Blacklisting of Amar Builders for allegedly submitting fake documents
- Ensuring transparent execution of the project under honest officers
Calling the road a vital infrastructure project for tribal and remote regions, Ostwal emphasized that any attempt to suppress the MP’s complaint must be prevented. He urged the Chief Minister to issue immediate directions to the PWD Secretary to take strict action and ensure quality construction under proper supervision.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s stated zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, Ostwal said that those involved in financial irregularities must be sent to jail, adding that strong action is necessary to deter future wrongdoing by contractors and officials alike.
He also appealed to the state government to publicly acknowledge MP Santosh Pandey’s efforts in safeguarding public interest and to ensure complete transparency in the investigation process.
