CBI conducts searches at 8 locations in Kiru Hydroelectric project case

DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Jan 29
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday conducted searches at around eight locations in Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir in the on-going investigations of a case related to alleged irregularities in the award of tender for civil works of Kiru Hydroelectric Project being executed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited. (CVPPPL).
The spokesman of the Agency said the searches led to recovery of digital devices, computers, property documents, incriminating documents in addition to cash of over Rs 21 lakhs approximately.
The instant case was registered on the basis of a reference received from J&K government against then Chairman Navin Kumar Chaudhary (a 1994 IAS officer); then Managing Director; then Directors of CVPPPL; a private company and unknown others.
It was alleged that in the 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 the 47th board meeting of CVPPPL for re-tender through e-tendering with reverse auction, after cancellation of ongoing tendering process, the same was not implemented and the decision of 47th board meeting, was reversed in the 48th board meeting.
The graft charges were flagged by former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, who alleged that he was offered a Rs 300-crore bribe for clearing two files, including the one pertaining to the project.