Rlys writes to PMO about its MD’s sexual misdeeds

The Railway Ministry has complained to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) about one of its own officers levelling charges of alleged sexual misdemeanours, illegal appointments and diversion of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds.

The Ministry has written to the PMO against Amitabh Lal, MD of Pipavav Rail Corporation Ltd (PRCL), a unit of Railway Ministry stating that he “appointed two female professionals which included a Medical Consultant” who used to frequently go on official tours with him even where there was no need.

In one instance, the report said, a meeting was scheduled at a resort in Diu without the approval of the board and which was attended only by the MD and the two female consultants who were flown business class. The complaint also stated that the MD hired the lady doctor against the wishes of the Board of Directors of the organisation and with whom he used to stay in five star hotels and resorts.

The Railway Ministry has accused Lal of also diverting most of the CSR funds to a particular Lucknow-based NGO and that not a single funding was brought in before the Board of Directors even as the Public Sector Units (PSUs) are mandated to do so.

Lal, however, termed the complaints as baseless and fabricated. “It is unworthy on the part of Railway Ministry going to PMO where they do not have anything to substantiate,” Lal told The Pioneer when asked for his comment on the serious allegations.

Lal, who joined PRCL in July 2014, also denied the charges of misappropriation of CSR funds saying the expenditure cannot be done without prior approval of CSR Committee and the Board of Directors and thus all was done accordingly.

On the issue of appointments, Lal challenged that no person was appointed surreptitiously and only regular appointments were made after open advertisement and due selection process. He also denied any close links with the female consultants and claimed that they were selected because of their credentials in extensive work in the field of poverty, medical and hunger elimination.

Sources said that Lal is now seeking another extension from the Government but his controlling Ministry is reluctant because of the complaints. 

PRCL is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as a Joint Venture with Indian Railways and Gujarat Pipavav Port limited (GPPL). Having special approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to undertake construction, operations and maintenance of the broad gauge railway system, PRCL is entitled to the rights, obligations and duties of a Railway Administration.