CBI Raids Former J&K Lieutenant Governor Satya Pal Malik’s Residence in Corruption Probe
In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a raid at the Delhi residence of former Jammu & Kashmir lieutenant governor, Satya Pal Malik, in connection with the Kiru hydropower corruption case. This move comes as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption related to the awarding of civil works for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project, amounting to a staggering Rs 2,200 crore.
Background of the Investigation
Last month, the CBI had carried out searches at multiple locations in Delhi and Jammu as part of its probe into the corruption allegations surrounding the Kiru hydropower project. The focus of the investigation revolves around suspected malpractices in awarding a contract worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore for the civil works of the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project to a private company in 2019.
Satya Pal Malik’s Response
Responding to the CBI raid, Satya Pal Malik took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and expressed his dismay. Malik, who claimed to be unwell and hospitalized, accused the government of orchestrating the raid through “dictatorial” means.
“I have been ill for the last 3-4 days and admitted to a hospital. Despite this, my house is being raided by the dictator through government agencies. My driver and my assistant are also being raided and harassed unnecessarily. I am a farmer’s son, I will not be afraid of these raids. I am with the farmers,” Malik wrote in his tweet.
The Origin of Allegations
In 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir government had requested a CBI investigation into alleged malpractices flagged earlier by Satya Pal Malik himself. Malik, during his tenure as the governor of Jammu and Kashmir, claimed that he was offered a staggering Rs 300 crore as a bribe to clear two government contracts. These contracts, totaling Rs 2,200 crore, are at the center of the current corruption probe.
CBI’s Official Statement
The CBI had earlier stated, “The case was registered on allegations of malpractices in the award of a contract worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore of civil works of Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project (HEP) to a private company in the year 2019.” The agency has named several individuals, including former officials and the private company Patel Engineering Ltd, in connection with the case.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As the investigation unfolds, the CBI has also summoned Satya Pal Malik for questioning, adding another layer to the legal proceedings. The agency has booked key figures, including former chairman Navin Kumar Chaudhary, and other officials in connection with the corruption case.
The developments surrounding this case highlight the continued scrutiny of high-profile figures in corruption cases, emphasizing the commitment to uphold transparency and integrity in government projects.
