(Advocate Sunil Kumar Gupta Releases Press Statement)
In Uttarakhand, often revered as the “Land of the Gods” and known for its energy production, the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) stands as a glaring example of how corruption and scams erode public wealth and hinder the state’s development. This article delves into the stories of two senior officials within UPCL, whose actions have cast a long, dark shadow over the state’s progress.
The Men at the Helm of Corruption
At the center of this scandal are Anil Kumar, the Managing Director (MD) of UPCL, and Ajay Aggarwal, the Director (Projects). Both have been implicated in numerous corruption cases involving sums that reach into the hundreds of crores. Despite investigations revealing their fraudulent activities, punitive actions against them have been inexplicably delayed, allowing them to maintain their positions and power within the corporation.
Hindrance to Development
This corruption is not just a matter of personal gain for these officials. It directly impacts the state’s development. Funds that should have been directed towards improving infrastructure and energy projects are siphoned off, leaving the state grappling with inadequate resources. The British, who once ruled this land, would be astonished by the extent of the corruption and the opulent lifestyles these officials lead, fueled by black money.
Anil Kumar: A Case Study in Corruption
Anil Kumar began his career as an Assistant Engineer in the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Council in 1987-88. With the formation of Uttarakhand, he transitioned to UPCL and PITCUL, eventually rising to the position of Chief Engineer Level-1. He is set to retire in a few months. Even if one assumes an average monthly salary of one lakh rupees over his 35-year career, his total legitimate earnings would amount to around four to five crores, assuming he saved every penny and had no personal expenses.
However, investigations have revealed that Anil Kumar has amassed assets worth approximately 150 crores. This includes numerous properties in Dehradun and Lucknow. Officially, he declared only four properties in Dehradun and three in Lucknow as of May 11, 2021. In reality, he has been involved in buying and selling 35 to 40 properties in Dehradun alone. Ajay Aggarwal, his partner in corruption, has similarly engaged in extensive property transactions.
The Empire of Black Money
The methods through which Anil Kumar and Ajay Aggarwal amassed such wealth are as audacious as they are corrupt. They used the names of family members, including step-daughters, an unmarried partner, and other relatives, to hide their black money. They invested heavily in joint businesses, ensuring their illicit gains were further laundered.
One particularly egregious example involves Anil Kumar’s son, Yash Raj, who in 2015-16, earned a modest salary of Rs 40-45 thousand working for a contractor company, M/s Ashish Transpower, associated with PITCUL. Despite this, Yash Raj now manages multiple high-end showrooms leased at exorbitant rates in Rishikesh and Dehradun, masking the flow of black money.
Moreover, luxury flats in expensive colonies like Panash Valley in Dehradun have been purchased in the names of in-laws and relatives. Anil Kumar’s cunning extends to declaring false addresses to mislead enforcement agencies like the ED and the Income Tax Department.
The Consequences
The unchecked corruption within UPCL highlights a significant failure of governance. Despite the glaring evidence and numerous investigations, the lack of decisive action against Anil Kumar and Ajay Aggarwal underscores a systemic problem. Their continued dominance within the corporation serves as a testament to the deep-rooted corruption that stifles the state’s progress.
