Home dept rapped over full payment for bomb suits despite delivery

The CAG on Tuesday criticised the state home department for making 100% payment for the 82 bomb suits two years ago, though they are yet to be delivered.

The state police in January 2009 had floated the tender for purchase of the suits post 26/11 terror attacks.

The assistant inspector general of police (AIGP), on behalf of the director general of police, had called for tenders  and placed the order with a supplier, which was to import the suits from an US firm for Rs6.22 crore. A condition was placed that initially only 10% amount would be paid and the remaining on receiving the suits and scrutinising them. The home department paid the entire amount on June 28, 2009,  though not even one suit was delivered.

Later, it was revealed that the firm had manufactured the suits at its factory in South Africa and China, instead of the US, which was in violation of the agreement. The matter was referred to the DGP, who then transferred the case to the ACB.