Hyderabad: (RightNow) A major corruption scandal involving Rs 1.06 billion has been uncovered in the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). The fraud was committed through salaries and allowances.

During a meeting of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, audit officials revealed that ghost employees were used to defraud the treasury. The FIA is investigating Rs 996.2 million in corruption.

The meeting disclosed that HESCO’s internal inquiry found an additional Rs 67.8 million in suspicious payments. The FIA has arrested 14 suspects and recovered Rs 130 million.

The committee chairman stated that the audit report exposed large-scale corruption. Members criticized HESCO’s performance and demanded strict action.

It is noteworthy that questions have been raised about the absence of a biometric system in HESCO. The Public Accounts Committee has instructed the verification of the recovery audit.