Former councillor demands probe into alleged irregularities in construction of 42 city roads, urges Collector to act
Published on: December 23, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Raising serious questions over the ₹10-crore road asphalting project approved for Rajnandgaon city, former councillor and social activist Hemant Ostwal has demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the matter. Ostwal has written to District Collector Jitendra Yadav, seeking an inquiry into the alleged delay, poor quality work and corruption linked to the project.
According to Ostwal, around ₹10 crore was sanctioned by the state government for asphalting nearly 42 roads under the infrastructure head, following efforts by city MLA and Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh. However, more than ten months after the approval, the project remains incomplete, causing inconvenience to residents. He alleged that neither Mayor Madhusudan Yadav nor the Municipal Commissioner has shown seriousness in addressing public concerns.
Ostwal further alleged that several roads constructed under the approved list have already deteriorated due to substandard material, half-done works and alleged collusion between contractors and municipal engineers. Despite complaints, he claimed that no effective action was taken and attempts were made to “cover up” the irregularities.
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He pointed out that although the Municipal Commissioner had issued orders on August 18, 2025, cancelling work orders and blacklisting some contractors, they eventually escaped complete blacklisting under the alleged protection of the Mayor. Ostwal accused the municipal appeals committee of being used as a shield to protect not only errant contractors but also responsible engineers, calling it against public and administrative interest.
Drawing a parallel with the investigation into irregularities in road asphalting at the new agricultural produce market, Ostwal demanded a similar probe into the municipal corporation’s ₹10-crore road project. He called for a clear public disclosure of which roads were completed, which remain unfinished and where quality standards were compromised, along with strict action against those found guilty.
Stating that the city’s vigilant citizens are looking towards Collector Jitendra Yadav for decisive action, Ostwal urged the administration to ensure that the remaining roads are asphalted at the earliest with proper quality control, keeping public convenience as the top priority.
