Acting tough against those allegedly involved in irregularities in allotment of tenders for Kiru hydroelectric project, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at eight locations in New Delhi and J&K.

“The CBI has conducted searches at eight locations in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in the award of tender for civil works of Kiru hydroelectric project being executed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd (CVPPPL). The searches led to recovery of digital devices, computers, property documents, incriminating documents in addition to cash amounting to over Rs 21 lakh,” said an official of the agency.

The instant case was registered on the basis of a reference received from Government of J&K against then Chairman, then MD, then Directors of CVPPPL, a private company and unidentified persons. It was alleged that in award of civil works relating to Kiru hydroelectric project, guidelines regarding e-tendering were not followed.

It was also alleged that though a decision was taken in 47th board meeting of CVPPPL for re-tender through e-tendering with reverse auction after cancellation of the ongoing tendering process, the same was not implemented and the decision of 47th board meeting was reversed in the 48th board meeting.

It has been learnt that premises of four firms were also searched by the CBI including AS Chemical Industry, Raj Chemical Industry, Kanhaiya Enterprises and Raj Solvent. Residences of directors and those managing the accounts of these companies were also raided and searched.

The CBI also searched a house and office of an engineer in Kishtwar where the project is being executed. Laptops, mobile and other gadgets were seized by the CBI teams.

Sources in CBI informed that information gathered through electronic data led the agency to chemical companies. The CBI is investigating the alleged graft case for Rs 2,200 crore civil work for the project.

The case was registered on allegations of malpractices in award of the contract to a private company in 2019. The alleged graft was flagged by former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik.

e-tendering norms not followed

• The case was registered on the basis of a reference received from J&K Government against then Chairman, then MD, then Directors of CVPPPL, a private company and unidentified persons
• It was alleged that in award of civil works, norms regarding e-tendering were not followed

Courtesy: The Tribune India:  30th  Jan , 2024