Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch on Tuesday arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Kumar Jain along with five others in connection with alleged corruption and irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board’s sewage treatment plant tendering process.
The other accused arrested in the case are former Delhi Jal Board CEO and IAS officer Udit Prakash Rai, former contractual consultant Ankit Srivastava, AN Enterprises proprietor Nagendra Yadav, Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd owner Raja Kumar Kurra and Srijanhar proprietor Pankaj Verma.
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The arrests were made in connection with an FIR registered on May 11, 2024, over alleged large-scale irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process for the augmentation and upgradation of sewage treatment plants under the Delhi Jal Board.
WHAT IS THE CASE ABOUT
The case was registered following a complaint by the Directorate of Vigilance regarding alleged large-scale irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process for the augmentation and upgradation of sewage treatment plants operated by the Delhi Jal Board.
According to the Anti-Corruption Branch, the investigation found that the tender allegedly contained restrictive technical specifications and conditions designed to favour a particular technology provider, Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd.
The alleged manipulation restricted competition and gave an undue advantage to the selected private company.
The agency also alleged that the proposed pilot study was not conducted and that the tender included restrictive conditions on the technology and materials to be used. It said key parameters for treated wastewater were left out and technical specifications were changed, allegedly causing significant financial loss to the government.
The agency said its analysis of electronic evidence revealed communications between private individuals, government officials and intermediaries regarding the tender process.
Tender conditions, corrigendums and other related documents were allegedly exchanged among them before being incorporated into the Delhi Jal Board’s sewage treatment plant tender notice.
INVESTIGATORS TRACE MONEY TRAILS
The investigators said the evidence pointed to an alleged nexus between private individuals and public functionaries to influence the tender conditions in favour of Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd.
The financial investigation has also allegedly revealed the movement of funds in the form of commission or bribes through intermediary entities, including Srijanhar and AN Enterprises.
According to the officials, substantial amounts were transferred to the proprietorship concern of Nagendra Yadav from entities linked to the private technology provider, followed by further transfers to government officials and their relatives.
The agency has specifically alleged that Udit Prakash Rai, who was then CEO of the Delhi Jal Board, received Rs 1.52 crore in his and his relatives’ bank accounts through banking channels from AN Enterprises.
The agency alleged that the amount was subsequently used to purchase immovable property.
According to the agency, the funds transferred through AN Enterprises originated from Euroteck, the technology provider. The investigation is now examining the complete money trail and the alleged proceeds of crime.
The investigators also alleged that communications between Raja Kumar Kurra, Nagendra Yadav and Ankit Srivastava discussed meetings, tender conditions, corrigendums and other matters related to the STP tender.
The officials said these communications indicated that certain restrictive conditions were allegedly introduced or modified to favour Euroteck.
The six accused were interrogated before being arrested on August 18 based on the material collected during the investigation, the statement from Anti-Corruption Branch said. Further investigation into the alleged tender manipulation, flow of funds and the role of other persons is underway.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
