Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: In the much publicized Kiru Hydroelectric Project scam, Special Judge CBI Jammu Bala Joyti today rejected the pre-arrest bail applications of two persons of Delhi namely Sumit and Arun Kumar.
During the course of hearing Public Prosecutor Manmohan Sharma for the CBI argued strenuously that the present application is not maintainable at all being devoid of any legal force. “The reports of Anti Corruption Bureau, UT of J&K and Power Development Department reveal that in award of contract in respect of Civil Works of Kiru Hydroelectric Project, guidelines regarding e-tendering were not followed”, he added.
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.
After hearing both the sides, the Special Judge observed, “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”.
“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, adding “grant of anticipatory bail at this stage would definitely hamper the effective investigation, having regard to the material said to have been collected by the respondent CBI”.
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