Lucknow | January 2, 2026

A major development has emerged in one of Uttar Pradesh’s longest-running corruption cases as authorities prepare to take action in the Lucknow monument scam, more than a decade after it first came to light. Two former senior officials of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) are now facing scrutiny as the investigation gains momentum.

The scam dates back to between 2007 and 2011, during which time funds were allocated for several grand projects, including memorials, gardens, and public sites across Lucknow and Noida. These projects included the Ambedkar Social Transformation Site, Manyavar Kanshiram Memorial Site, Gautam Buddha Udyan, Kanshiram Eco Green Garden, and Ambedkar Park in Noida. The total approved budget for these works was over ₹42.76 billion, of which approximately ₹41.48 billion was reportedly spent. Soon, irregularities and financial mismanagement came to light, prompting a vigilance FIR and a long investigation.

Investigators discovered that large sums of money intended for materials, especially stone for the monuments, were misused. Officials and contractors were accused of irregular procurement and inflating costs, causing significant losses to public funds. Alongside LDA personnel, officers from other government construction departments and several suppliers were also implicated, making the case extensive and complex.

For years, progress in the case was slow, but recent directives from city authorities have revived the investigation. The Lucknow Commissioner instructed officials to accelerate the probe and complete the report promptly. The LDA secretary has been designated as the nodal officer to provide all necessary documents to the investigation team.

The two former LDA officials now in the spotlight are retired Superintending Engineer Vimal Kumar Sonkar and former Chief Engineer Triloki Nath. Both held critical positions during the period of the alleged irregularities, making them central figures in the ongoing inquiry.

Officials involved in the renewed probe emphasized that the move is part of a larger effort to close pending corruption cases and reinforce accountability among public servants. Despite the passage of more than a decade, authorities hope that decisive action will demonstrate that misuse of public funds cannot go unchecked.

The Lucknow monument scam remains one of the largest cases of public fund irregularities in the state. Its revival highlights the persistence of vigilance agencies and the growing pressure on civic bodies to ensure transparency and justice. As the investigation progresses, more details about the roles of the accused and the findings of the renewed probe are expected in the coming 

 Lucknow Monument Scam: After 11 Years, Action Initiated Against Two Former LDA Officers

The Lucknow monument scam, one of Uttar Pradesh’s longest-running corruption cases, is back in the spotlight after more than a decade. Authorities have now begun action against two former senior officers of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) as part of renewed efforts to close the case and ensure accountability.

The controversy dates back to 2007–2011, when large funds were allocated for constructing several memorials, gardens, and public sites across Lucknow and Noida. Projects included the Ambedkar Social Transformation Site, Manyavar Kanshiram Memorial Site, Gautam Buddha Udyan, Kanshiram Eco Green Garden, and Ambedkar Park in Noida. Over ₹42.76 billion was approved for these works, with nearly ₹41.48 billion reportedly spent. Soon, irregularities were discovered in material purchases, especially stone, and investigators found evidence of inflated costs and misuse of funds, raising questions about financial mismanagement.

Officials involved in procurement and contractors were implicated, along with officers from other government construction bodies. For years, the case moved slowly, but recent directives from city authorities have accelerated the investigation. The LDA secretary has been appointed nodal officer to provide all necessary documents to the inquiry team.

The two former officers now facing scrutiny are retired Superintending Engineer Vimal Kumar Sonkar and former Chief Engineer Triloki Nath. Both held key positions when these projects were carried out, making them central to the ongoing probe. Authorities emphasize that the move is part of broader efforts to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public funds.

Despite the long delay, officials hope this renewed focus will send a strong message that corruption and negligence cannot go unpunished. The Lucknow monument scam continues to be one of the largest cases of public fund irregularities in the state, and the investigation is expected to provide clarity on accountability in the coming weeks.