Srinagar, Feb 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted extensive searches at 30 locations, including the residence of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in the allotment of the Kiru hydroelectric power project.
According to sources, the CBI launched the operation in the morning, deploying around 100 agency personnel to raid various premises across different locations. Among the sites targeted was the residence of the former J&K governor in New Delhi.
The probe centers around suspected corruption in the awarding of civil works contracts for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project, valued at approximately Rs 2,200 crore.
Satya Pal Malik, who served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019, claimed he was offered a bribe of Rs 300 crore to expedite clearance of two files, including one related to the aforementioned project.
The case was initiated following allegations of malpractices in the contract award process for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project to a private firm in 2019.
The CBI has named former chairman of the Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd, IAS officer Navin Kumar Chaudhary, along with other officials and Patel Engineering Ltd., in connection with the case.
Subsequent to allegations of corruption in the allotment process, the earlier decision was revoked, and reauctioning of the project was ordered.
