The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and five others in connection with alleged corruption in the allotment of a major civil works contract for the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project, valued at ₹2,200 crore.
Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik shared a photo of himself on a hospital bed and said his condition was “very bad” on Thursday as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against him and five others in connection with alleged corruption in the award of Rs 2,200-crore civil works for Kiru hydropower project.
“Hello friends. I am receiving many calls from well-wishers, which I am unable to answer. My condition is very bad right now, and I am currently admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi. I am not in a state to talk to anyone. Contact: KS Rana – +91 93105 33211,” Malik said in a post on X where he also shared the photo of himself lying on a hospital bed, his mouth open, eyes closed, and wires attached to his body, as he is partly clad in a blue hospital apron.
नमस्कार साथियों।
— Satyapal Malik (@SatyapalMalik6) May 22, 2025
मेरे बहुत से शुभचिंतकों के फ़ोन आ रहे हैं जिन्हें उठाने में मैं असमर्थ हूं।अभी मेरी हालत बहुत खराब है मैं किसी से भी बात करने की हालत में नहीं हूं। 11 मई से राम मनोहर लोहिया अस्पताल में भर्ती हू। संक्रमण की शिकायत के चलते अस्पताल में भर्ती किया गया था। अब… pic.twitter.com/yTWGxuHkyC
Background of the Case
The CBI began its probe in 2022 after the Jammu and Kashmir government formally requested an investigation into irregularities surrounding the civil works contract for the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project. The case involves serious allegations of corruption, violation of procurement norms, and failure to adhere to proper tendering procedures.
CBI Raids and Investigations
In 2024, the CBI conducted search operations at eight locations in Delhi and Jammu, collecting evidence against key officials and entities linked to the case. The investigations revealed that guidelines for e-tendering were not followed, and contracts were awarded in violation of standard procedures.
Individuals and Entities Named in the Charge Sheet
In addition to Satya Pal Malik, the CBI has also named the following individuals and organizations in the charge sheet:
- Navin Kumar Choudhary, the then chairman of Chenab Valley Power Projects
- MS Babu, MK Mittal, and Arun Kumar Mishra – other senior officials involved in the project
- Patel Engineering Limited, the construction firm awarded the contract
These individuals and the company are facing charges of conspiracy, misuse of official position, and violations of anti-corruption laws.
Additional Allegations
The First Information Report (FIR) highlights that prior investigations by the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Power Department uncovered lapses in the tendering process. Furthermore, there are allegations of substandard work and failure to provide employment to local youth as promised under the project guidelines.
About the Kiru Hydroelectric Project
The Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project is a run-of-the-river scheme being developed on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The project is part of a series of hydroelectric initiatives aimed at harnessing the energy potential of the region’s rivers.
