On May 22, 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and five others in connection with alleged corruption in the Kiru Hydropower Project. The case pertains to irregularities in awarding a ₹2,200 crore civil works contract for the project. (The Times of India, @EconomicTimes)
The chargesheet follows a three-year investigation initiated after the Jammu and Kashmir government requested a CBI probe in 2022. In 2024, the CBI conducted searches at eight locations in Delhi and Jammu related to the case. (The Siasat Daily)
Notably, Satya Pal Malik had previously alleged that he was offered a ₹300 crore bribe to approve two files, one concerning the Kiru project. Despite his claims, the CBI’s investigation led to the filing of charges against him and others, including officials from Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited and Patel Engineering Limited. (The Siasat Daily, @EconomicTimes)
The Kiru Hydropower Project, a 624 MW run-of-the-river scheme on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects—a joint venture between NHPC, JKSPDC, and PTC. The project, estimated to cost ₹4,287 crore, is scheduled to commence commercial operations by July 2025. (@EconomicTimes)
Following the filing of the chargesheet, Malik shared a photo from a hospital bed, stating that his health is “very bad,” and he is unable to respond to calls from well-wishers. (@EconomicTimes)
