Key Points
- Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik has been named in the CBI chargesheet in the ₹2,200 crore Kiru Hydropower Project scam.
- Malik is currently hospitalized at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, undergoing continuous dialysis and treatment for a severe infection.
- The CBI alleges massive irregularities in the contract process, with rules bypassed to award the project directly to a specific company.
- Six others have also been charged by the CBI in connection with the scam, which centers on the Kishtwar district project.
- Malik posted on social media about his deteriorating health, raising questions about timing and possible pressure related to the investigation.
New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the ₹2,200 crore Kiru Hydropower Project in Jammu and Kashmir has deepened, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally naming former J&K Governor Satyapal Malik as an accused in its latest chargesheet. The development comes as Malik’s health has reportedly taken a serious downturn, with the former governor currently admitted to Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
CBI Tightens Noose in High-Profile Corruption Case
The CBI’s chargesheet, filed just months after raids on Malik’s premises in February 2024, alleges grave irregularities in the contract awarding process of the Kiru Hydropower Project, a key infrastructure initiative in Kishtwar district. According to the CBI, the project’s implementing agency, Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), initially decided to re-tender the contract using a transparent reverse auction and e-tendering process. However, the rules were allegedly bypassed, and the contract was handed directly to a particular company, raising major questions about transparency and favoritism.
Six others, including senior officials and company representatives, have also been named in the chargesheet, which details a web of collusion and procedural violations. The scam, involving one of the region’s most significant energy projects, has drawn national attention due to its scale and the high-profile individuals implicated.
Malik’s Health Crisis: Coincidence or Pressure?
Within hours of the CBI filing the chargesheet, Satyapal Malik posted a candid update from his hospital bed. “I am very weak, not in a position to talk to anyone, and undergoing continuous dialysis,” Malik wrote on social media, sharing a photo that showed him visibly frail. He has been hospitalized since May 11 due to a serious infection, and his condition has reportedly deteriorated further in recent days.
The timing of Malik’s health update coming on the heels of the CBI’s legal action has sparked speculation about whether the mounting legal and political pressure is taking a toll on the former governor. Malik’s public disclosure of his condition has also raised concerns among his supporters and political observers.
The Kiru Hydropower Project: A Regional Game-Changer Marred by Scandal
The Kiru Hydroelectric Project, valued at ₹2,200 crore, is seen as a vital development initiative for Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at boosting regional power supply and economic growth. However, the project has now become a symbol of alleged corruption and mismanagement, with the CBI’s probe exposing deep-rooted issues in the contract awarding process.
According to the CBI, the decision to bypass competitive bidding and award the contract directly not only violated established protocols but also opened the door to potential financial losses and compromised the project’s integrity.
What Happens Next?
With the chargesheet now filed, the legal process against Satyapal Malik and the other accused will move forward. The case is expected to be closely watched, given its implications for governance, transparency, and accountability in major public projects.
Meanwhile, concerns remain over Malik’s health and his ability to respond to the charges in court. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining both the legal and personal outcomes for the former governor.
Case Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Accused | Satyapal Malik (Former J&K Governor) |
| Project | Kiru Hydropower Project (Kishtwar, J&K) |
| Scam Value | ₹2,200 crore |
| CBI Allegation | Contract awarded bypassing rules, direct allotment |
| Others Charged | 6, including officials and company reps |
| Malik’s Health | Hospitalized, on dialysis, condition deteriorating |
| Next Steps | Legal proceedings, investigation continues |
This high-profile case not only puts the spotlight on corruption in public projects but also raises questions about the intersection of health, politics, and justice at the highest levels.
