CBI Information Chargesheet In opposition to Former J&Okay Governor Satya Pal Malik in Kiru Hydel Corruption Case
New Delhi, Might 22, 2025: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet in opposition to former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and 7 others in reference to alleged corruption within the awarding of a Rs 2,200-crore civil works contract for the Kiru Hydro Electrical Energy Undertaking in Kishtwar district. The event, reported on Thursday, marks a major escalation in a case that has drawn consideration resulting from Malik’s high-profile allegations of bribery throughout his tenure. The chargesheet, submitted after a three-year investigation, was filed earlier than a particular court docket in Jammu, naming Malik and his associates among the many accused.
Background of the Kiru Hydel Undertaking Case
The Kiru Hydro Electrical Energy Undertaking, estimated at Rs 4,287 crore, is a significant infrastructure initiative in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, executed by Chenab Valley Energy Initiatives Personal Restricted (CVPPPL). The case facilities on alleged irregularities within the awarding of a Rs 2,200-crore civil works contract to Patel Engineering Restricted in 2019. The CBI’s investigation, initiated in April 2022 following a request from the Jammu and Kashmir authorities, uncovered proof suggesting malpractices within the tendering course of. Particularly, the CBI alleges that tips for e-tendering weren’t adopted, and a call to cancel and re-tender the contract via e-tendering with reverse public sale, made within the forty seventh CVPPPL board assembly, was reversed within the forty eighth assembly, resulting in the contract being awarded to Patel Engineering.
Satya Pal Malik, who served as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019, had publicly claimed in 2021 that he was supplied a Rs 300-crore bribe to clear two information, considered one of which pertained to the Kiru undertaking. Malik, who has been a vocal critic of the Narendra Modi authorities since 2021, alleged {that a} senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief was concerned within the corruption. His claims prompted the Jammu and Kashmir authorities, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, to refer the case to the CBI for investigation.
Particulars of the Chargesheet
The CBI’s chargesheet names eight people, together with Malik, his two personal secretaries, Virendra Rana and Kanwar Singh Rana, and key CVPPPL officers: then-Managing Director M.S. Babu, administrators Arun Kumar Mishra and M.Okay. Mittal, in addition to Rupen Patel, Managing Director of Patel Engineering Restricted, and a personal particular person, Kanwaljeet Singh Duggal. The company has invoked Part 120-B (felony conspiracy) of the Ranbir Penal Code and provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, because the alleged offenses occurred earlier than the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, when these legal guidelines had been in impact within the erstwhile state.
The investigation, which included searches at over 30 areas throughout eight states and Union Territories in February 2024, recovered digital units, computer systems, property paperwork, and over Rs 21 lakh in money, together with proof of huge money deposits, fastened deposit investments, and properties in a number of cities. These findings bolstered the CBI’s case in opposition to the accused.
Malik’s Response and Allegations of Harassment
In a message posted on X on Might 22, 2025, Malik, who’s presently hospitalized, acknowledged he was unable to answer inquiries resulting from his well being situation. He famous receiving calls from well-wishers however was unable to take them. Malik has persistently denied the allegations in opposition to him, claiming that the CBI’s actions are politically motivated. Following raids on his residences in Delhi, Gurugram, and Baghpat in February 2024, he posted on X, “They won’t get something besides four-five kurtas and pyjamas. The dictator is attempting to scare me by misusing authorities companies. I’m a farmer’s son, I’ll neither be afraid nor bow down.”
Malik’s aide, Virendra Rana, echoed these sentiments, calling the chargesheet “sheer harassment.” Rana identified that the CBI carried out searches when Malik was hospitalized in 2024 and filed the chargesheet throughout his present hospitalization, regardless of their assertions to the company that they weren’t concerned in any corruption.
Social Media and Political Reactions
The chargesheet has sparked diverse reactions on social media. A put up by @desimojito on X sarcastically remarked, “Ready for the opposition to name it vendetta politics 😂🤣,” suggesting that some view the CBI’s actions as focusing on Malik for his criticisms of the Modi authorities. In the meantime, information shops like @IndiaToday and @PTI_News reported the event factually, specializing in the CBI’s findings and Malik’s hospitalization. Sentiments on X vary from assist for Malik, with customers praising his whistleblower stance, to skepticism about his claims, given the CBI’s proof.
Context of Malik’s Tenure and Allegations
Malik’s tenure as Governor was marked by controversy. Past the Kiru undertaking, he alleged corruption in a J&Okay Workers’ Well being Care Insurance coverage Scheme contract value Rs 60 crore in 2017–18, which can be below CBI scrutiny. His public criticisms of the Modi authorities started in 2021, together with claims that the 2019 Pulwama assault, which killed 40 CRPF personnel, may have been prevented if the Centre had offered plane for troop motion, a request he stated was denied. Malik additionally accused the federal government of failing to carry anybody accountable for the assault and claimed in 2022 that Prime Minister Modi dismissed issues about farmer protests, quoting him as saying, “Did they die for me?”
These statements have positioned Malik as a polarizing determine, with supporters viewing him as a brave whistleblower and critics questioning his motives. The CBI’s chargesheet provides gasoline to this debate, elevating questions on whether or not the company’s actions are a response to Malik’s allegations or proof of real wrongdoing.
Broader Implications
The Kiru undertaking case highlights ongoing issues about transparency in large-scale infrastructure tasks in Jammu and Kashmir. The undertaking has confronted criticism for substandard work and its failure to supply jobs to native unemployed youth, as famous by officers in a 2024 report. The CBI’s findings additionally underscore the challenges of guaranteeing truthful tendering processes in high-value contracts, notably in areas with advanced political dynamics.
Because the case progresses, it’s prone to stay a focus of political and public discourse, particularly given Malik’s outspoken criticism of the central authorities. The chargesheet’s end result in court docket will decide whether or not the CBI’s allegations maintain, however for now, the case serves as a reminder of the intricate interaction between governance, infrastructure, and accountability in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources: The Indian Specific, The Hindu, NDTV, The Week, India At the moment, and posts on X.
