Deepening Questions: RCF Scandals and the Agrawal Brothers’ Involvement

Admin

Following is a reply or clarification or allegation received from Sh. Rajesh Agrawal, retired Member (Traction & Rolling Stock), Railway Board who happens to be the brother of Sh. Ashesh Agrawal, GM/RCF, Kapurthala in connection to the series of articles under the headline- “RCF: Passenger’s safety at stake due to Shady deals, Compromised quality and Rampant corruption” published by #Railwhispers in four parts-

“Yellow Journalism

Sad to hear from you in this way. Never expected. We can take the WhatsApp sender if he has the guts to discuss. Never expected Mr Tripathi to backstab without proper fact check. Who is he supporting?

Neither me nor my brother will compromise our professional integrity and never did in about 40 years of service. Never even wnted to do. Nor found it necessary.. I have nothing to do with…, (never), …. (never except met in seminars) & …… (no contact for over 1 year, maybe 2).

Ta … has not done any berths or seats business at all in RCF. Not even participated as far as I know in last 2 years.

Do not spoil your credibility for vested interests and unscrupulous vendors.

Mr Tripathi is spoiling his credibility for vested interests and unscrupulous guys for reasons best known to him.

My brother and I will both be keen to find out who has embezzled the Rs 16 Cr? It is sickening that all scandal goes on at the expense of the Great Indian Railways and unscrupulous vendors forever compromising get away through bribery and corruption. The tainted WhatsApp university targets the honest people who have had credible reputations for over 40 years rather than the culprits roaming loose.”

Following is Editor’s version-

First of all let me explain what “Yellow journalism” is? “Yellow journalism” is like when people tell stories in newspapers or on TV that are really exaggerated or not completely true, just to get more attention or make people excited or upset. It’s kind of like when someone tells a really wild or exaggerated story to make it sound more interesting than it really is. Instead of giving all the facts, they might leave some things out or make things up to get more people to read or watch.

Secondly, when it comes to its own devices, it becomes “Yellow Journalism!” When your file for promotion in GM was moved forward after I wrote and you were promoted in GM, and it was repeated in your beloved brother’s case too, then it was not “yellow journalism!” If you are not liaising with companies, instead of making this vile allegation in your group, refute it categorically! Just because I respect you doesn’t mean I don’t know anything and you will accuse me of anything! Who is doing what in the railway, it is not hidden from #Railwhispers! By making low level allegations like “Yellow Journalism” you have exposed your own thinking, nothing else!

It’s disappointing to see baseless allegations being thrown at #Railwhispers as a desperate attempt to discredit well-researched and substantiated journalism rather than receiving messages over whatsapp (as mentioned by Sh. #RajeshAgrawal). The articles I’ve written is a result of meticulous investigation and presentation of irrefutable facts and figures. Labeling it as “yellow journalism” is a blatant effort to divert attention from the serious issues that have been exposed. It’s crucial for individuals in positions of authority to respond with #transparency and #accountability rather than resorting to unfounded accusations. The public deserves the truth, and my commitment to upholding #journalistic integrity remains unwavering as I am a firm believer of the fact that “TRUTH PREVAILS”.

The articles published by #Railwhispers have brought to light various #scams occurring under the oversight of #GMRCF Sh. #AsheshAgrawal. However, an aspect that raises questions is the #authority behind Sh. Rajesh Agrawal’s confrontational stance, coupled with his #acknowledgment of their extensive 40 years of collective railway service. While #Railwhispers’ exposes have unquestionably spotlighted concerning issues within the organization under GM/RCF Sh. Ashesh Agrawal’s leadership, it’s puzzling to grasp why Sh. Rajesh Agrawal has taken it upon himself to confront his own #brother. Rather than delving into personal testimonials, the primary focus should be on transparently and constructively addressing the prevailing concerns. This dichotomy becomes evident when one considers that it’s Sh. Ashesh Agrawal, the GM/RCF, who should be engaging in this confrontation, not his brother Sh. Rajesh Agrawal. This scenario seemingly suggests that both brothers might be involved in practices that exploit vendors within #RCF. This contradiction emerges when one brother, who isn’t directly involved in RCF’s operations, confronts to shield the other who holds power, indicating potential ulterior motives at play.

Sh. #RajeshAgrawal inquired with the #editor about the #vendor liaisons at #RCF Kapurthala done by him. When provided with a list of firms, Sh. Rajesh Agrawal responded, “I have nothing to do with…, (never), …. (never except met in seminars) & …. (no contact for over 1 year, maybe 2). Ta….. has not done any berths or seats business at all in RCF. Not even participated as far as I know in last 2 years.”

When Sh. Rajesh Agrawal’s statements raised notable questions. Sh. Rajesh Agrawal’s firm disavowal of involvement with certain firms and his claims of having no contact with them over extended periods seem intriguing. Particularly, his assertion that a specific firm hasn’t engaged in any seat and berth business at RCF, and hasn’t participated in tenders for the past two years, raises eyebrows. This begs the question: how does Sh. Rajesh Agrawal possess such precise knowledge about individual firms’ activities within RCF? Moreover, how does he confidently assert a firm’s lack of participation in specific tenders? These aspects inevitably cast a spotlight on Sh. Rajesh Agrawal’s potential connection and influence within the #vendor landscape of #RCF, Kapurthala, potentially suggesting a deeper involvement in the #liaison process than initially apparent.

Further #Railwhispers asks the questions which remain unanswered by Sh. Ashesh Agrawal, GM/RCF or may be answerd by Sh. Rajesh Agrawal, brother of GM/RCF if he has answers to:

  1. Rates settled by RCF were 30% higher as compared to rates settled in first tender and has made RCF to pay approx 16 crore extra for 130 coaches. Why was #HFGW ignored? Why was order put on a failure firm like M/S #DTL when rejection was issued on advice of #RCF officials itself? Why dual standards followed in settling the tender, when it is established that orders can’t be given to a failure firm? Why clause of 100 coaches extra was added in the #PO issued to M/s DTL recently? Why #coach furnishing in previous #Tender alloted to M/s DTL at lower rates is not complete while coach furnishing in new tender which was settled at higher rates is being executed at a very fast pace?
  2. What action has Sh. Ashesh Agrawal taken in case of torn seats in the workshop of RCF? It’s been over a month, no action on any official involved, why? Why was the #firm itself asked to #repair the seats and made a scape goat? Why after publishing of the article in #Railwhispers Ashesh Agrawal went the very next day in #workshop and nominated a committee? Why no report has not been finalised even since lapse of more than one month? Does that take so much time even when things are under the control of Sh. Ashesh Agrawal? Is it because Sh. Ashesh Agrawal is waiting for his #retirement? Why non-stock indent put on the same firm to procure torn parts of the seat and berth?
  3. What did RCF #Vigilance do in case of M/s #DTL when all the case files were in the custody of #RCF vigilance? Why no action? Sh. Ashesh Agrawal had access to all the files. Why did he not take up the matter which involves railway #Safety and #Security, and such #embezzlement of ₹16 crore as already established in the article?
  4. In the case of #Bogie_Frame what was RCF vigilance doing for more than one month after receiving the report from quality? Why no action was initiated against the #Vigilance branch? Whatever is being done in case of M/s #Gandhi by vigilance department is also very well known to #Railwhispers.
  5. Why was M/s #DebPaints, Kolkata, despite being the lowest #bidder (L-1), passed over and not allowed to participate in the reverse auction (#RA) for tender no. 14221137? Who made this #decision, and what were their #justifications? What did Sh. Ashesh Agrawal do in this case? Why was M/s Deb Paints, Kolkata, not passed over for tender no. 14231044, when it was a failure firm? Who made this decision, and what were their justifications? How come after the publishing of the report on #Railwhispers, the #rates of the same item (i.e. #Primer) went down from ₹319.78 to ₹297.36 – even lesser than #MCF rates – in just a span of 03 months? Who shall be held responsible for the loss of public money at the hands of black sheeps to the tune of approximately 01 crore for the orders put in 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24. Whether it is GM/RCF or CVO/RCF or CMM/E or CQM or CWE/Fur? Who were the real beneficiaries of the said amount? If the latest order put by the officials @₹297.36 (under tender no. 14231044) is considered a reasonable and acceptable #rate as per the prevailing market conditions, then it means that the officials of RCF have accepted that the rejection made in favour of M/s Deb Paints, Kolkata was a fabricated rejection at the hands of vigilance RCF (Sh. Ravinder Kumar Verma, CVO/RCF; Sh. Vinod Kumar Bazad, DyCVO & Sh. Arvind Kumar Tripathi, CVI)? What did Ashesh Agrawal do in this case?
  6. Also, it is learnt that a pre-inspected #paint sample supplied by M/s #GSIndustries, Jalandhar was recently taken in quality audit and was rejected due to various non-conformities in the item. Why was recent #primer supply made on 27.07.2023 for 12903 Liters (worth 40 lakh, Rnote no. 8023102649) made by M/s GS Industries, Jalandhar not taken in any #audit again (vigilance audit, quality audit etc). Why was delivery period (#DP) not extended for M/s Deb Paints, Kolkata for P. O. No. 14221043100965 dtd. 25.05.2022 inspite of repeated requests by the firm in writing before settlement of tender no. 14231137 and 14231044. Why was the firm discouraged to make supplies on account of failed DP and material urgently required?
  7. What were the reasons for delay in approval of pilot sample of M/s #VibgyorPaints and Chemicals, Pondicherry (P. O. No. 14211233100631 dtd. 28.03.2022), M/s #AnupamPaints, Kolkata (P. O. No. 14201154102195 dtd. 28.12.2020) in comparison to pilot sample approval of M/s GS Industries, Jalandhar (P. O. No. 14211233100598 dtd. 23.03.2022) which was approved in just 02 months.
  8. What were the reasons for taking the supplies (9685 Liters) of M/s Deb Paints, Kolkata (P. O. No. 14221043100965 dtd. 25.05.2022) received on dtd. 29.06.2022 in vigilance audit on 02.07.2022 (in just 04 days after receipt of material).
  9. It is observed that the PO placed on M/s #Anupam Enterprises was a supply and apply PO i.e. application of adhesion promoting primer had to be executed by the firm, but non-conformity has been raised by shop, devoid of any joint note or any corroborating facts on the same which is a matter of grave concern and needs investigation. Why no action initiated on concerned officials?
  10. What were the reasons for creating such a #monopolistic environment for a firm and no audit inspection or no NCR or no surprise vigilance check of supplies (99860 Liters) of M/s GS Industries, Jalandhar (P. O. No. 14211233100598 dt.23.03.2022) while all other supplies were being checked at some stage or the other. This has caused #RCF to pay 7474000 INR extra which is not in national interest and huge loss to government exchequer which is a matter of great concern and needs thorough investigation.
  11. Integrity of report of M&C Lab/RCF in case of M/s Anupam Paints, Kolkata w.r.t. reports received from other independent labs (#RITES, #Bharat Test House, #Shriram Lab). Why no action on quality officials? Why Mechanical officers lobby over protected by Ashesh Agrawal?

The concerns highlighted in various articles remain valid and unanswered, urging for a comprehensive response from relevant authorities (which is least expected). Inquiries range from discrepancies in tender settlements, treatment of vendors, actions taken on quality issues, and the decisions made in various #procurement processes. Addressing these queries with #transparency, #clarity, and #accountability is essential to #safeguard the organisation’s #reputation and uphold the #principles of ethical #governance.

In conclusion, the pursuit of truth and accountability must prevail over personal affiliations and accusations. #Railwhispers remains steadfast in its commitment to uncovering and presenting accurate information, upholding the #tenets of responsible #journalism, and fostering #transparency for the benefit of the #organisation, its #stakeholders, and the #public at large. Last, but not the least, this is an attempt to fix the wrong done at the hands of public money and authority. My articles is based on available evidences and circumstantial facts & figures. But nevertheless my intention is not to harm or target anyone. This is not personal too, despite this, if your image has been tarnished in any way, or your reputation has been hurt, then we are sorry for discomfort caused to you! -Editor