LI Network
Published on: February 22, 2024 at 20:25 IST
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a major operation, conducting searches at 30 locations associated with former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik. The searches are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption related to the Kiru Hydropower project.
Around 100 officers were mobilized by the agency to conduct raids at multiple cities this morning. The case revolves around purported irregularities in awarding civil works contracts for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project (HEP) worth ₹2,200 crore.
CBI initiated the probe in April 2022, registering a case against five individuals, including Mr. Malik. The former governor had earlier claimed that he was offered a bribe of ₹300 crore to expedite certain project-related files.
Responding to the allegations, Satya Pal Malik, who is currently hospitalized, denounced the raids as an act by “authoritarian forces.” Despite his health condition, he asserted his resolve and stated that these actions would not deter him, expressing solidarity with farmers.
The individuals booked by CBI include former officials of Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd, Navin Kumar Chaudhary, M S Babu, M K Mittal, and Arun Kumar Mishra, along with Patel Engineering Ltd.
The FIR alleges discrepancies in the awarding of contracts, citing failure to implement decisions regarding re-tendering through e-tendering processes.
This development comes after CBI conducted searches at the premises of five individuals in January as part of the ongoing investigation into the case.
Further updates on the investigation are awaited as CBI continues its search operation across multiple locations. Stay tuned for more details as the story unfolds.