During its investigation into alleged corruption related to the awarding of civil work contracts for the £220 million Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project in the UT, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at over 35 locations. These searches included premises associated with former J&K governor Satya Pal Malik. The CBI claims to have uncovered evidence of substantial cash reserves, fixed deposits, and property investments in various cities. This probe is linked to the project being executed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd.
The locations searched encompassed Malik's ancestral residence in Baghpat, located in western Uttar Pradesh. According to CBI sources, the evidence collected during the searches included both digital and documentary material. The case stemmed from Malik's revelation of being offered a £20 million bribe in exchange for approving two files associated with the project.
Malik, who had earlier alleged that Pulwama terror attack in 2019 could have been averted had govt heeded his advice to move troops deployed in Valley by air, said he was ill and was hospitalised for 3-4 days. “Instead of investigating people involved in corruption I had complained against, CBI raided my residence. They will not get anything except 4-5 kurtas and pyjamas. Despite this, my house is being raided by the dictator… by misusing government agencies. My driver and my assistant are also being raided and harassed unnecessarily. I am a farmer’s son, I will not be afraid of these raids. I am with the farmers,” he said.