CBI Raids Satyapal Malik
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids at over 30 locations, including the premises of former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik, in connection with alleged corruption in the award of a contract for the Rs 2,200 crore civil work for the Kiru Hydro Power Project. The raids were carried out in multiple cities across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Mumbai.
The case pertains to alleged corruption in awarding a civil-work contract related to the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project. The CBI has registered a case on allegations of malpractices in the award of the contract worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore of civil works of the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project to a private company in 2019. The premises of Malik and his associates were searched as part of the probe, which has been ongoing since April 2022. The investigation is related to the alleged irregularities in the award of the contract without following guidelines regarding e-tendering.
The Allegations
The Kiru Hydro Electric Project, a significant undertaking aimed at harnessing hydroelectric power from the Chenab River, has been marred by accusations of corruption. The case primarily revolves around the awarding of a contract worth ₹2200 crores for civil works related to the project in 2019. It is alleged that corruption was involved in this contract, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the procurement process.
CBI Raids Satyapal Malik’s Premises
In a significant development, the CBI conducted raids at the premises of former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Satyapal Malik, in Delhi. This action underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment of investigative authorities to unravel the truth behind the alleged corruption in the Kiru Hydro Electric Project. Additionally, simultaneous raids were carried out at 30 other locations across Jammu and Kashmir, indicating the widespread nature of the investigation.
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Satyapal Malik’s Allegations and Response
Satyapal Malik, while denying any wrongdoing, has claimed that he was offered a bribe of ₹300 crores to approve two files related to the project during his tenure as Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. He served as Governor from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019. These allegations, if proven true, raise serious questions about the ethical standards in the execution of infrastructure projects and the role of public officials in upholding transparency.
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The Investigation
The recent raids conducted by the CBI yielded significant evidence, including cash amounting to over ₹21 lakhs, digital devices, computers, and property documents. Among those implicated in the case are Navin Kumar Choudhary, former Chairman of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), along with former officials M.S. Babu, M.K. Mittal, Arun Kumar Mishra, and Patel Engineering Limited.
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Conclusion
The allegations of corruption surrounding the Kiru Hydro Electric Project underscore the need for stringent oversight and accountability mechanisms in the execution of infrastructure projects. The investigation by the CBI represents a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and upholding the rule of law. As the inquiry progresses, it is imperative to address the systemic issues that enable such malpractices, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in public service.
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