CBI Files Chargesheet Against Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik in Kiru Hydropower Scam
New Delhi/Srinagar – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and five others in connection with the Kiru Hydropower Project corruption case, according to a report by PTI quoting officials.
The development marks a significant step in the investigation into alleged irregularities in the awarding of civil contracts worth Rs 2,200 crore for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project. The project, located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, was part of a broader infrastructure push in the region.
In 2024, the CBI had conducted searches at eight locations across Delhi and Jammu as part of the probe, seizing documents and digital evidence related to the case.
The roots of the investigation go back to 2022, when the Jammu and Kashmir government requested a formal CBI inquiry into suspected corruption in the awarding of two key civil works contracts. These concerns were originally flagged by Satya Pal Malik himself during his tenure as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019.
Malik had publicly alleged that he was offered a bribe of Rs 300 crore to clear two controversial files, one of which pertained to the Kiru hydropower project. His revelations prompted a political storm and eventually led to the formal investigation by the country’s top anti-corruption agency.
Alongside Malik, five others have been named in the chargesheet. While the identities of the co-accused have not been officially disclosed yet, sources suggest they include senior bureaucrats and officials associated with the execution of the project.
CBI search at his residence last year, he denied all corruption allegations. Malik stated that instead of investigating those he accused of corruption, the agency targeted him. “They will not get anything except 4-5 kurtas and pyjamas. The dictator is trying to scare me by misusing government agencies. I am a farmer’s son, I will neither be afraid nor bow down,” he posted online.
The CBI has booked Navin Kumar Choudhary, then chairman of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), along with officials M S Babu, M K Mittal, and Arun Kumar Mishra, and Patel Engineering Limited. The FIR alleges a re-tender decision taken in the 47th board meeting was not followed through, and the contract was eventually awarded improperly.
The CBI is expected to present further details during the upcoming court proceedings. The case has drawn national attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the significant public funds involved.
The Kiru Hydropower Project, envisioned as a 624 MW power plant, is a key part of Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure development strategy aimed at tapping into the region’s vast hydroelectric potential.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more details emerge.
