'Told PM Modi About Corruption, Now I’m Framed By CBI': Satya Pal Malik On Chargesheet In J-K Project Case
Satya Pal Malik denied CBI's chargesheet alleging kickbacks in the Kiru project, claiming he cancelled the corrupt tender after informing PM Modi. He challenged the government to investigate the corruption.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Sunday strongly denied the allegations levelled against him in a chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Kiru hydroelectric power project. The CBI filed the chargesheet on Thursday against Malik and five others in the case concerning alleged kickbacks in the awarding of a Rs 2,200 crore contract.
In a post on X, Malik claimed that he has always upheld integrity in public life, stating, “I am the son of a farmer and have remained completely honest in my political career while following the principles laid down by the farmer’s messiah, the late Chaudhary Charan Singh.”
He said he had informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the corruption in the tender process during his tenure and had subsequently cancelled the tender. “The tender in which I am being implicated was the one I had cancelled after informing Prime Minister Modi that there was corruption involved. This tender was reissued after I was transferred,” Malik stated.
Malik questioned the government and the CBI over the status of the inquiry into the corruption he had flagged. “Modiji and the CBI must tell the nation how far the investigation has gone into the corruption I reported to you,” he said. He further challenged the agencies to examine his assets, saying, “If CBI and ED are honest, tell the people of this country how much my assets have increased. If they haven’t, don’t levy false accusations against me.”
He also highlighted his financial condition, claiming, “The truth is, I live in a one-room house and am under debt.” He accused the Modi government of attempting to malign his image, adding, “I humbly request Modiji and his agencies not to try to falsely implicate me or create hatred against me among the people. If you have the courage, conduct a fair investigation so that the truth can come out.”
He concluded his message with a declaration: “Satyamev Jayate. With honesty and truth, I stand firmly against this dictatorial government.”
Satya Pal Malik Alleges Being Offered Bribe Of Rs 300 Crore To Approve 2 Files
As reported by IANS, Malik had earlier alleged that he was offered a bribe of Rs 300 crore to approve two files, one of which was related to the Kiru hydropower project, during his tenure as J&K Governor from August 2018 to October 2019.
The CBI had booked the Chairman, Managing Director and Directors of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), along with Patel Engineering Ltd, in the case. The FIR mentions that both the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Power Department found that guidelines for e-tendering were not followed in the awarding of civil works for the project.
There were also allegations of substandard construction and failure to provide employment to local youth linked to the project.
The 624 MW Kiru hydroelectric power project is a run-of-the-river scheme on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is being developed at a cost of Rs 4,287 crore by Chenab Valley Power Projects—a joint venture of NHPC (49%), JKSPDC (49%), and Power Trading Corporation (2%). While scoping clearance was granted in 2008 and environment clearance in 2016, the foundation stone was laid in 2019. The project is expected to commence commercial operations by July 2025.
Recently, Malik was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia on May 11 and is on dialysis, as per news agency PTI.
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