JARANWALA: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has launched an inquiry into suspected financial irregularities at the Suthra Punjab Agency in Faisalabad, focusing on monthly fuel consumption and vehicle rental expenses.
According to sources, investigators have collected video recordings and documents and taken mobile phones from some employees as part of the investigation. Any legal action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
Vehicle Discrepancies
Sources said the agency allegedly reported a fleet of 800 vehicles to the Punjab government for sanitation operations, although only around 550 vehicles were reportedly operating in the field.
Approximately Rs15.6 million was allegedly being spent each month on fuel for the declared fleet. When rental expenses for another 200 vehicles were included, the suspected irregularities reportedly amounted to nearly Rs17.5 million per month.
The figures and alleged discrepancies are being examined as part of the investigation.
Alleged Fuel Fraud
According to the sources, the suspected scheme involved using multiple fake number plates associated with a single vehicle to obtain fuel against different registrations.
Petrol station employees and other individuals allegedly collaborated to attach fake registration plates to a vehicle and draw fuel against them. After refuelling, the vehicle was reportedly taken to a workshop near the petrol station on Rajbah Road, where the fuel was allegedly drained.
‘Speak properly’: Abid Sher Ali, Aimal Wali exchange heated words at Senate hearing
Investigators are examining these claims to determine how the suspected operation was carried out and who may have been involved.
Evidence Under Review
Sources also said investigators were looking into allegations that vehicle tracking devices had been deliberately damaged and CCTV cameras at the petrol station disabled to conceal the suspected activities.
Local ACE officials are examining the available evidence and financial records to establish the extent of the alleged fraud and identify those responsible.
The inquiry is ongoing, and the allegations have yet to be established through its findings.
