Balochistan Irrigation Department Asset Auction Scandal: Case Registered, Geologist Talha Bugti Arrested
QUETTA: The Anti-Corruption Establishment Balochistan has registered a criminal case over alleged irregularities in the auction of valuable government vehicles and heavy machinery belonging to the provincial Irrigation Department at allegedly throwaway prices.
As part of the investigation, Geologist/Deputy Director Talha Bugti has been arrested, while raids are reportedly underway at various locations to apprehend other suspects allegedly involved in the case.
According to sources, allegations emerged that government vehicles and heavy machinery were auctioned at prices substantially below their actual value, potentially causing losses of millions of rupees to the national exchequer. Following the allegations, the Anti-Corruption Establishment launched a criminal investigation.
Investigators are examining the basis on which the government assets were valued and auctioned at allegedly extremely low prices, as well as the role of officers and officials of the Irrigation Department in the process.
Sources said the preliminary investigation was conducted by Deputy Directors of Investigation Fareed Sakhi and Sheikh Munir Mandokhail. Government records, the auction procedure, valuation of assets and the roles of relevant officials and employees were examined during the inquiry.
Following the discovery of alleged irregularities during the preliminary investigation, the matter was referred for criminal proceedings. Further investigation has been assigned to Investigation Officer Aziz Ahmed.
Investigators are now examining the complete auction process, including the actual value of the government vehicles and machinery, valuation reports, reserve prices, auction advertisements, bidding procedures, successful bidders and the amounts deposited into the government treasury.
The investigation team is also determining whether officials and employees involved in the auction complied with government rules, regulations and their legal responsibilities.
A key aspect of the investigation is determining whether the government suffered substantial financial losses if the assets were indeed sold at prices significantly below their actual market value.
Anti-Corruption officials are also examining whether any individual or group allegedly received financial benefits through the auction process and, if so, which officials or employees may have facilitated such benefits.
Officials said the investigation is not limited to a single individual and covers the entire auction process and the roles of all persons associated with it.
Records of the auction committee, machinery valuations, advertisements, bidding stages and successful bidders are also being examined as part of the investigation.
Further arrests are expected as the inquiry progresses, according to sources. However, they emphasized that final responsibility will be determined only after completion of the investigation and presentation of evidence before the relevant legal forum.
