Justice Ghose might call CWC for hearing regarding sagging of Medigadda

HYDERABAD: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose heading the judicial inquiry commission focussing on the design, planning, and execution of three barrages of Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla as part of Kaleshwaram and their viability made a few interesting observations during the informal talk here on Saturday with retired engineers of the Anantharamulu Committee formed in 2015.

The retired engineers submitted a copy of that report to Justice Ghose. They told the former SC judge that former Chief Minister KCR suggested a barrage at Medigadda and refused to take the report into cognizance. The retired engineers said that they proposed the barrage at Thummidihatti, but the CM and the then-irrigation minister refused to sign the report.

Justice Ghose during the informal chat said to have made serious observations about the sub-contract system that prevailed in the construction of Kaleshwaram. He made it clear that he would scrutinise the accounts and statements of contracting agencies. He even considered taking data from the Registrar of Companies.

A look at the accounts could show how much money changed hands, the retired judge said. Justice Ghosh said that he could summon anyone to testify. He said that even the Central Water Commission (CWC) had to attend the hearing and testify. Justice Ghose says he had the power to do what he wanted. After examining all the affidavits, if needed, we will call the CWC, he said.

The commission found that there could be 10 to 15 sub-contracts. The commission was currently in the process of collecting details. “We will think later whether to investigate AEE or DEE. The investigation is currently concentrating on engineers,” Justice Ghosh reportedly observed.