The Mayor of Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC), Aijaz Dhebar, has uncovered a major scam involving hoarding in the city. It was discovered that RMC officials had taken money from advertisement agencies and put up hoardings wherever they wished by installing poles. The estimated amount embezzled in this scam is approximately 27 crore rupees.

Mayor Dhebar has announced that strict action will be taken against the officers responsible for the hoarding scam. He has ordered the lodging of FIRs and the demolition of the illegal intersection. The Mayor stated that the officers floated a tender for hoarding work without his knowledge, and rates were arbitrarily given. An investigative committee of seven members, including Mayor Dhebar, has been formed to look into the matter. He stated that the irregularities in hoardings were found during the meeting of the RMC Mayor-inCouncil. The Mayor wants to increase the revenue of the corporation but not by unlawful means. He assures that no officer involved in this scam will be spared. The Mayor has consulted experts, studied the documents for 20 days, and found out that there were irregularities in the tendering process. He further said that companies that reported losses were given contracts, and those whose checks bounced were given work. Mayor Dhebar has ordered that all hoardings be measured, and tenders will be done online to ensure transparency. The intersection near Mata Sundari School in Raipur, which was constructed illegally, has been ordered to be demolished in the meeting of the Mayor-in-Council.

The Mayor has also instructed that the person who made this intersection will be investigated. He expressed concern that the intersection is dangerous, as black granite stones have been placed at the site that could cause accidents. Mayor Dhebar has promised to make up for the loss incurred due to the hoarding scam. He stated that officers responsible for the irregularities will be suspended, FIRs will be filed, and the tender will be cancelled. The Mayor further added that if he is not satisfied, he will approach the Lokayukta.