In Hardoi, however, the police department itself has allegedly been duped, having paid ₹ 52.51 lakh to a Mumbai-based firm for CCTV cameras and accessories but received none of the equipment even after six months. Police personnel spend their days investigating fraud and tracking down cheats.
The incident has also raised questions about safeguards in government procurement and monitoring of contracts after payments are released. However, the proprietor allegedly kept postponing delivery whenever the department followed up, leaving the police without the equipment despite full payment having been made. The alleged non-delivery has left the department in an unusual predicament, with the police, who invest- igate cheating cases, now pursuing a case in which they claim to have been cheated themselves. CCTV systems are a crucial component of police station infrastructure, helping monitor premises and strengthen accountability.
The firm received the full payment of ₹ 52,51,672.92 through the government’s procurement portal, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), but failed to supply the CCTV cameras and accessories despite repeated reminders, according to the complaint. Police have invoked Section 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with criminal breach of trust.
The Mumbai-based firm, located in Madhuban Industrial Estate, Andheri East, was awarded the contract to supply CCTV cameras and related equipment to police stations across Hardoi district, according to the complaint. Hardoi police registered an FIR against Light Force Buildimt Limited and its proprietor, Amit Rai, at Kotwali City police station on Friday, following a complaint by Reserve Inspector Yashwant Pratap Singh.
