CBI raids ex-Governor Satya Pal for Kiro Hydel Project Corruption

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting raids on the premises of Jammu and Kashmir ex-governor Satya Pal Malik. The agency conducted raids over 30 places, including the residence of Satya Pal Malik in Delhi.

The raids of CBI at the premises of ex-Governor Satya Pal come as part of the agency’s investigation regarding alleged corruption linked to the awarding of a Kiru Hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir Territory.

CBI raids J&K ex-governor Satya Pal Malik's premises in hydel project casehttps://t.co/db7uZdHA63 pic.twitter.com/G140nRyf92
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According to CBI officials, the case against Satya Pal is about alleged corruption in the 2,200 crore rupees civil works. There are accusations against Satya Pal, who received 300 crore rupees in bribes for approval of two crucial files between Aug 23, 2018, and Oct 30, 2019. One of those files was about the 624-megawatt Kiru project, a run-of-river project in the Kishtwar district that crosses the Chenab River.

Following the investigation, the federal agency CBI searched about eight places in Delhi, Jammu, and Kashmir last month. They have also seized digital gadgets, PCs, property records, fraudulent documents, and over 21 lakh cash.

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According to a CBI spokesperson, they initiated an investigation in response to an FIR by the government of Jammu and Kashmir against a private business, CVPPPL. It refers to Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd), a private company.

FIR is lodged against CVPPPL’s then-chairman, Managing Director, directors, and other unknown people during the tenure of Satya Pal. It was reported that e-tendering procedures were not followed in awarding civil works related to the Kiru hydropower project.

The FIR claims the 47th Board meeting of CVPPPL decided to cancel the current tendering process. They also decided to hold a new one through e-tendering with reverse auction in the 48th Board meeting. However, they did not follow this decision and eventually awarded the tender to Patel Engineering Ltd.