CBI conducts raids on premises linked to former J&K governor Satya Pal Malik in Hydel Project Case
- In Reports
- 06:43 PM, Feb 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Central Bureau of Investigation is currently conducting searches at more than 30 locations, including properties associated with former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into suspected corruption related to the awarding of a contract for a hydel project in the Union territory.
Officials stated that the case involves allegations of corruption in the awarding of civil works contracts for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project valued at ₹2,200 crore. Satya Pal Malik, who served as the governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019, claimed to have been offered a ₹300-crore bribe to approve two files, including one concerning the 624-megawatt Kiru project. The Kiru project is a run-of-river scheme situated on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district.
Last month, the federal agency conducted searches at approximately eight locations in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir as part of the ongoing probe. During these searches, the CBI recovered digital devices, computers, property documents, incriminating documents, and cash amounting to over ₹21 lakh.
A spokesperson for the CBI stated that the case was registered based on a reference received from the Jammu and Kashmir government against the chairman, managing director, and directors of CVPPPL, a private company, along with unidentified individuals.
Allegations surfaced suggesting that the guidelines concerning e-tendering were not adhered to in the awarding of civil works for the Kiru hydroelectric project.
The FIR alleges that although a decision was made during the 47th Board meeting of CVPPPL (Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd) to re-tender through e-tendering with reverse auction after canceling the ongoing tendering process, this decision was not implemented as per the decision taken in the 48th board meeting. Instead, the tender was ultimately awarded to Patel Engineering Ltd.
Image source: Indian Express
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