CBI Raids Premises of Former J&K Governor in Corruption Investigation

JAMMU & KASHMIR, 22 FEB: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 30 sites, including three properties associated with former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, as it investigates alleged corruption in the allocation of a contract for a hydel project in the Union Territory. The searches were carried out in eight states and union territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Mumbai, Bihar, and Rajasthan.

Satya Pal Malik, a former BJP leader, has been vocal in his criticism of the Narendra Modi government on various issues. He has accused the government of using the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to exploit the sacrifices of soldiers and has alleged that he was asked to remain silent when he sought an investigation into the Pulwama attack. Reacting to the raids, Malik stated that he is not afraid and will continue to stand with the farmers of the country. 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered two separate cases in April 2022 regarding alleged irregularities in two projects in Jammu and Kashmir during Malik’s tenure as the Governor. The first case pertains to the award of a contract for the J&K Employees Health Care Insurance Scheme to a private company, along with the release of Rs 60 crore in the year 2017-18. The second case involved the contract worth Rs 2,200 crore for civil works of the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project to a private firm in 2019.

In October 2021, Malik claimed that he was offered Rs 300 crore in bribes to clear two files, including one related to a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader. They booked Anil Ambani’s Reliance General Insurance Company (RGIC) and officials of Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd (CVPPPL), among others, in the two cases.

The Kiru Hydel Project, whose cost is estimated to be Rs 4,287 crore, has been marred by allegations of sub-standard work and its failure to provide jobs to local unemployed youth. The ACB probe into the matter observed that the project’s tender had been canceled in the 47th Board Meeting of the CVPPPL, but was revived in the 48th Board Meeting and awarded to Patel Engineering.

The former Governor’s criticism of the Modi government and his stance in support of farmers have added a political dimension to the raids, with Malik asserting that he will not be intimidated. The outcome of the CBI’s investigations will be closely watched, as they could have significant implications for the political landscape in the region.

By – Kashish Jain