Srinagar, Feb 22: In a sweeping operation spanning 8 States and Union Territories, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at more than 30 locations, including Srinagar and Jammu cities. This probe is part of the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the Rs 2,200-crore Kiru Hydropower project.
Approximately 100 officers were deployed across 30 locations in various cities, encompassing Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Mumbai, according to officials familiar with the matter. The searches extended to premises associated with former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik in R K Puram, Dwarka, and Asian Games Village in Delhi, as well as locations in Gurugram and Baghpat.
Raids were also conducted at residences linked to Navin Kumar Chaudhary, the former chairman of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited, and officials from Patel Engineering Limited.
Sources reveal that CBI conducted raids in Kishtwar, prompted by evidence suggesting involvement in ongoing investigations related to irregularities in the awarding and civil works of the Kiru hydroelectric power project.
Satya Pal Malik, who served as the 10th governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019, witnessed the region’s transition into a Union Territory following the revocation of its special status with the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
A spokesman for the CBI stated that the case pertains to allegations of irregularities in the award of civil works of the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir, being executed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd. (CVPPPL). He noted, “Searches were conducted at various locations including in Jammu, Srinagar, Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Baghpat, Noida, Patna, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Nagaur & Chandigarh.”
“The instant case was registered on 20.04.2022 against officials of CVPPPL, a private company, and unknown others,” the spokesman added. He further explained, “It was alleged that in the award of civil works relating to Kiru Hydroelectric Project, guidelines regarding e-tendering were not followed.” Additionally, “It was also alleged that though a decision was taken in 47th board meeting of CVPPPL for re-tender through e-tendering with reverse auction, after cancellation of ongoing tendering process, same was not implemented and the decision of 47th board meeting was reversed in the 48th board meeting.”
During the searches, evidence of significant cash deposits, investment in fixed deposits, investment in properties across various cities, as well as digital and documentary evidence, were recovered. The spokesman concluded, “Further investigation is underway in the case.”
This recent operation follows earlier raids conducted in May 2023 at 12 locations in Delhi and Rajasthan, including the house of the ex-press secretary, chartered accountant, and personal assistant of former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik, in Delhi, in connection with the alleged scam.
