Contractors allege overpowering influence of agents in Bescom

Bengaluru

Contractors working with the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) have alleged that a syndicate of agents has gained significant control over the company, leading to what they describe as a sharp rise in corruption within the organisation.

The controversy reportedly began with the Vehicle Hiring Tender (VHT), where allegations of favoritism and irregularities first surfaced. Following a report by blrpost.com, the bidding process was temporarily paused. However, sources indicate that Bescom is quietly planning to reopen the tender, sparking fresh concerns among contractors. According to the contractors, Ramesh H J, Director (Technical) at Bescom, is allegedly favoring Manjushree Travels, run by a person named Abhilash, who is said to be a close relative of Ramesh.

Also read: After smart meter, contractors allege favoritism in Bescom’s vehicle hiring tender

Contractors speaking to this website expressed deep frustration over what they describe as the overpowering influence of agents in Bescom. “A syndicate of agents interferes in every tender for commissions, bribing officials to ensure bids are won in their favor,” said one contractor. They further claimed that agents, in collusion with certain officials, have formed a network to protect and perpetuate their corrupt practices, which, in turn, has hampered transparency and accountability within the organisation. Several contracts, they alleged, have suffered as a result, with routine processes often stalled unless money changes hands.

One contractor, who requested anonymity, revealed that they are examining various aspects of corruption in the Bescom. “We are examining multiple aspects of Bescom’s operations and have already collected a large cache of evidence,” the contractor said. “This includes documents showing corrupt practices and information about locations where agents and officials meet. We plan to release these documents soon to expose the irregularities,” he added.

Bescom has previously faced public scrutiny in connection with the smart meter project, which is currently under investigation in the Karnataka High Court. The state government’s plan to install 39 lakh smart meters faced controversy following allegations of large-scale corruption. Initially restricted to Bescom’s jurisdiction, the project was later expanded across Karnataka, with a target of nine lakh installations per year, raising further concerns about transparency and accountability.

The ongoing allegations highlight growing unease among contractors and stakeholders about governance and corruption in public utilities. The situation at Bescom raises critical questions about the role of intermediaries and the mechanisms in place to ensure fair and transparent operations within state-run enterprises.