KOCHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against the Guruvayur Infrastructure Company for irregularities in the construction of the Mannuthy-Edapally National Highway. The charge sheet stated that there were irregularities in the construction of the national highway during 2006-2012, particularly in case of the construction of bus bay and parallel roads. The charge sheet stated that the thickness of the tarring is only 16 to 18 cm instead of 22.50 cm.
The collapse of the road, which had a maintenance period of up to 2028, had stoked a huge controversy. The CBI had filed an FIR on July 7, 2020 following a complaint in the regard. The Guruvayur Infrastructure Company and the National Highway Authority, who had built the road, were the accused in the case. The investigation team had found an initial irregularity of Rs 102 crores. Seven officials have been termed accused in the charge sheet. The Guruvayur Infrastructure Company is the first accused. Whereas, the National Highway Authority project director and chief engineer, at the time of road construction, are the second and third accused in the case. However, as the centre did not approve to prosecute them, a charge sheet was filed against the remaining officials.
In addition, a report was also submitted claiming that 13 bus bays were constructed in the area. However, only three bus bays were constructed in reality. Apart from this, many other irregularities, including the illegal placement of advertisements, have been mentioned in the chargesheet. According to which, the consultancy formed by Guruvayur Infrastructure Company and National Highway Authority gave similar fake reports and swindled crores of rupees.