CBI chargesheets J&K ex-Guv Malik, 7 others

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and seven others in connection with alleged irregularities in the award of civil works contracts worth over Rs 2,200 crore for the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar.

The case, which dates back to Malik’s tenure as Governor between August 2018 and October 2019, centers on the suspected manipulation of the tendering process by top officials and private entities involved in the project.

The CBI had registered an FIR and launched an investigation in April 2022 following public statements made by Malik claiming that he was offered Rs 300 crore in bribe to clear two controversial files — one of which was linked to the project.

In February 2024, the CBI had carried out raids on more than 30 locations, including Malik’s residences in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir as well as the premises of his close aides and officials associated with the project.

In the FIR, the CBI had claimed that the protocol of opting for transparent re-tendering through e-procurement and reverse auction was not followed despite a resolution at the 47th board meeting of Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd. (CVPPPL) — the agency overseeing the project. Instead, the contract was directly awarded to Patel Engineering Ltd, raising serious questions about procedural violations and favouritism.

During investigation, several individuals, including former CVPPPL chairman Navin Kumar Chaudhary and former officials MS Babu, MK Mittal and Arun Kumar Mishra, came under scrutiny.

After three years of probe, the central agency submitted its findings in the chargesheet before a special court in Jammu. Patel Engineering Ltd, the company that ultimately secured the lucrative contract, has also been named in it.

Meanwhile, Malik in a message on X said he was admitted to the hospital and not in a condition to talk to anyone. The former governor said he was getting calls from many well-wishers which he was unable to take.

India