Hyderabad, Oct. 25 -- The Telangana State Committee of the CPI(M) has demanded a comprehensive inquiry by a sitting High Court judge into alleged irregularities in cleaning contracts awarded to four major ESI hospitals in the State.

The party has also sought the immediate cancellation of the contracts, registration of criminal cases against those responsible and recovery of the alleged misappropriated funds.

In a statement, CPI(M) State secretary John Wesley alleged that cleaning charges had been increased from Rs 10 to Rs 49.50 per square foot, ignoring the reports of the employment committee and recommendations of officials. He demanded an investigation into the role of senior officials in approving the hike.

According to the party, th...