Probe agency searches 30 premises of former J&K Governor in corruption case

Mangalore Today /NDTV

New Delhi, Feb 22, 2024: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting searches at 30 locations linked to former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik in connection with alleged corruption in the Kiru Hydropower project.

The agency started its operation in the morning with around 100 officers mobilised to swoop down at 30 locations in multiple cities, officials said.

The case relates to alleged corruption in awarding civil works of the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project (HEP) worth ₹ 2,200 crore, they said.

CBI had registered a case in April 2022 against five individuals, including Mr Malik, in connection with alleged irregularities in awarding contracts worth for the projects.

Mr Malik, who was the governor of Jammu and Kashmir between August 23, 2018 and October 30, 2019 had claimed he was offered a ₹ 300-crore bribe for clearing two files, including the one pertaining to the project.

Responding to the allegations, Satya Pal Malik, who has been admitted to the hospital for the past few days, stated, "Despite my illness, my residence is being raided by authoritarian forces. My driver and assistant are being needlessly harassed through these searches."

"I am not afraid of these raids; I stand with the farmers. These actions won’t deter me," he added.