The Central Bureau of Investigation has booked Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain and others for alleged irregularities in the hiring of a “creative team” of 24 architects for Public Works Department (PWD) projects.
On Wednesday, the agency conducted searches at five places, including Mr. Jain’s premises.
The CBI registered the case on Tuesday, naming Mr. Jain, the then PWD principal director (projects) Sarvagaya Kumar Srivastava, principal director (projects) Manu Amitabh, deputy director (admin) A.K. Pait, project manager P.C. Chanana and unknown Delhi government officials as accused.
Soon after the searches started, Mr. Jain tweeted stating that his house had been raided by the CBI. The agency’s move drew sharp reactions from several Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The agency’s move drew sharp reactions from several Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
“In April last year, the CBI had instituted a preliminary enquiry into the allegations. It has now been converted into a regular case as prima facie proof of irregularities was found,” said an agency official.
‘Changed terms’
During the initial probe, the CBI found that the accused persons, while working as public servants, deliberately changed the terms and conditions in the notice inviting tender to favour Soni Detective and Allied Services through which the hiring was made. The company did not have the requisite experience. Besides, no market survey was done before fixing the remunerations for consultants, the CBI alleged.
“It was also alleged that the budget requirements were met using funds from unrelated heads against the set guidelines and regulations. Funds from the accounting head of the elevated corridor for Barapullah-III project were “dishonestly” changed for the purpose of Mohalla clinics on February 19, 2016,” said the official.
‘No minutes’
In September 2015, the proposal had been made for the hiring of young professionals from reputed institutions, including IITs, NITs, NID, SPA and IIMs, on monthly emoluments ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh for the creative team.
The CBI alleged that no minutes of any meeting held by Mr. Jain, as the PWD Minister, on the issue were available. Also, there was no on-record request from the PWD for the hiring of such a creative team.
