New Delhi, February 22 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids on Thursday, , at over 30 locations across India, including the premises of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the awarding of a contract for the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project (HEP) in the Union Territory.
The project, valued at approximately Rs. 2,200 crore, involves the construction of a run-of-river scheme over the Chenab river in Kishtwar district. The investigation centers around allegations of irregularities in awarding the civil works contract to a private company in 2019.
पिछले 3-4 दिनों से मैं बिमार हूं ओर हस्पताल में भर्ती हूं। जिसके वावजूद मेरे मकान में तानाशाह द्वारा सरकारी एजेंसियों से छापे डलवाएं जा रहें हैं। मेरे ड्राईवर, मेरे साहयक के ऊपर भी छापे मारकर उनको बेवजह परेशान किया जा रहा है।
— Satyapal Malik 🇮🇳 (@SatyapalmalikG) February 22, 2024
में किसान का बेटा हूं, इन छापों से घबराऊंगा नहीं। में…
In-Depth Analysis of Kiru Hydro Project Raids: Crucial Details and Reactions
Key Points:
- Targeted Locations: Beyond just Malik’s residences, the CBI swooped on various premises across different cities, including:
- Delhi: Malik’s home and other locations connected to the investigation.
- Gurugram: Specific details of raided locations haven’t been released.
- Uttar Pradesh: Malik’s residence in Baghpat district.
- Other locations: Unconfirmed reports suggest searches in Jammu and Kashmir and other states, but details remain under wraps.
- Alleged E-tendering Violations: The probe hinges on claims that established guidelines for transparent online tendering were disregarded in the 2019 contract award:
- Original Decision: The 47th Board meeting of Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPPPL) allegedly decided to re-tender via e-auction.
- Deviation: The subsequent 48th meeting supposedly reversed this decision, leading to the contract being awarded without e-tendering.
- Specific Violations: The nature of these deviations and specific regulations breached haven’t been publicly disclosed.
- Previous Raids: This wasn’t the CBI’s first foray into the case:
- December 2023: Searches in Delhi, Noida, Chandigarh, and Shimla targeted individuals and entities potentially involved.
- January 2024: Raids in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir yielded digital devices, computers, documents, and cash exceeding ₹21 lakh.
- Malik’s Accusations: Despite his hospitalization, Malik vehemently denied any wrongdoing and raised concerns:
- Coincidence with illness: He questioned the timing of the raid, coinciding with his hospitalization, implying potential malicious intent.
- Harassment: Malik claimed the raid on his driver and assistant was unnecessary and served as harassment.
- CBI’s Silence: The agency has maintained a tight lid on the specifics, including:
- Reasons for targeting specific locations: No official explanations on why certain individuals and places were chosen.
- Evidence gathered: Details of any incriminating material found during the raids remain undisclosed.
मैंने भ्रष्टाचार में शामिल जिन व्यक्तियों की शिकायत की थी की उन व्यक्तियों की जांच ना करके मेरे आवास पर CBI द्वारा छापेमारी की गई है।
— Satyapal Malik 🇮🇳 (@SatyapalmalikG) February 22, 2024
मेरे पास 4-5 कुर्ते पायजामे के सिवा कुछ नहीं मिलेगा। तानाशाह सरकारी एजेंसियों का ग़लत दुरुपयोग करके मुझे डराने की कोशिश कर रहा है।
मैं किसान का…
Reactions and Developments:
- Malik’s Outrage: Beyond denying involvement, Malik publicly criticized the authorities:
- “Authoritarian forces”: He labeled the raid an act of “authoritarian forces,” implying the government’s misuse of power.
- Questioning motives: Malik cast doubt on the legitimacy of the investigation, suggesting potential ulterior motives.
- Official Silence: The Jammu and Kashmir government has refrained from making any official statements on the ongoing investigation.
- Political Angles: Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir and other states have reacted:
- Some support Malik: Certain parties have rallied behind Malik, questioning the timing and methods of the CBI action.
- Others demand probe completion: Some parties have called for a swift and impartial conclusion to the investigation.
- Media Scrutiny: The raids have garnered significant media attention, with various outlets:
- Highlighting potential political implications: Speculating on possible connections between the investigation and current political situations.
- Raising concerns about due process: Emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent investigation.
- Legal Trajectory: The case is likely to unfold in the legal system:
- Further investigations: The CBI is expected to continue gathering evidence and potentially seek further search warrants.
- Court challenges: Malik or others involved might challenge the raids or investigation procedures in court.
- Trial and potential charges: Depending on the evidence, charges could be filed and a trial might ensue.
