Unipole scam hits Indore Municipal Corporation:Complaint alleges ₹11 crore revenue loss; EOW begins probe

Questions have long been raised over the alleged irregular installation of unipoles, lollipop media units and other outdoor advertising structures across the city. The matter has now reached the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which has initiated a probe into the issue. Allegations suggest that the Municipal Corporation’s advertising department caused a revenue loss of nearly ₹11 crore. As part of its investigation, the EOW has sought complete records related to advertising contracts, including a copy of the Outdoor Media Policy-2017, tender documents, applicable rules and details of officials involved in the process. According to the complaint, advertising sites allocated through lollipop media units (small unipoles) and unipoles were awarded in violation of prescribed norms, resulting in significant financial losses to the corporation. Advertising contracts recently awarded by the corporation for a seven-year period have also come under scrutiny. The EOW has asked the corporation’s Market Department to provide all records related to two major advertising tenders. These include administrative approvals, tender conditions, file notings, documents submitted by bidders and the complete file of the successful bids. Investigators are examining whether due procedures and regulations were followed in the allocation and operation of advertising sites. EOW seeks details on installation of media units The agency has also sought information on when the lollipop media units and unipoles were installed, who previously operated them and the duration of their contracts. Details of officials involved in the tendering process, members of the tender committee and other concerned employees, along with their current postings, have also been requested. Sources said the corporation recently floated advertising tenders for a seven-year term, which have been the subject of repeated complaints. Key source of municipal revenue Lollipop media units are small advertising poles installed along roadsides, medians, intersections and major traffic routes. Commercial advertisements displayed on these structures generate revenue for the Municipal Corporation.