Special Judge CBI Jammu, Bala Joyti, on Saturday rejected the pre-arrest bail applications of two individuals from Delhi, namely Sumit and Arun Kumar, in connection with the Kiru Hydroelectric Project scam, according to reports.
Public Prosecutor Manmohan Sharma for the CBI argued that the present application is not maintainable at all being devoid of any legal force. “The reports of Anti Corruption Bureau, UT of JK and Power Development Department reveal that in the award of contract in respect of Civil Works of Kiru Hydroelectric Project, guidelines regarding e-tendering were not followed.”
The reports said that though a decision was taken in 47th Board Meeting of Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd for re-tender through e-tendering with reverse auction, after cancellation of ongoing tendering process, same was not implemented and tender was finally awarded to M/s Patel Engineering Ltd.
PP further apprised the court that after receipt of the complaint, regular case RC0042022A0005 was registered on 20.04.2022 against Navin Kumar Choudhary, the then Chairman, Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd, M S Babu, the then Managing Director, CVPPPL Arun Kumar Mishra, the then Director, CVPPPL, M/s Patel Engineering Ltd.
“keeping in view the nature of allegations and gravity of accusation/stage of investigation, this court is of the firm opinion that investigating agency must be given sufficient time in conducting analyzed and effective investigation,” the Special Judge observed.
“Thus, the present application cannot be allowed and interim protection cannot be granted as it may frustrate the investigating agency in interrogating the accused persons/applicant. Moreover, success in such interrogation would elude if the accused knows that he is protected by the order of the court”, the Special Judge said.
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