Former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain, along with five others, has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) in connection with alleged irregularities in the tendering process for sewage treatment plant (STP) projects of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
An ACB officer said on Tuesday that former Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai (IAS) is also among the six persons arrested in the alleged corruption case.
The ACB has arrested the following six accused:
1. Satyendar Kumar Jain - Former Minister of Water, GNCTD
2. Udit Prakash Rai (IAS) - Former CEO, Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
3. Ankit Srivastava - Former contractual consultant, Delhi Jal Board
4. Nagendra Yadav - Proprietor, M/s AN Enterprises
5. Raja Kumar Kurra - Owner, M/s Euroteck Environment Pvt. Ltd.
6. Pankaj Verma - Proprietor, M/s Srijanhar
The case was registered on May 11, 2024, on a complaint by the Directorate of Vigilance, over alleged large-scale irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process related to augmentation and upgradation of sewage treatment plants of the DJB.
The case has been registered at the Anti-Corruption Branch, GNCTD, under Sections 7, 7A, 9 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018 with Sections 420, 409, 418 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The FIR was registered on a complaint by the Directorate of Vigilance, GNCTD, alleging large-scale irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process for the augmentation and upgradation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
What ACB Found During Investigation?
According to the ACB, the investigation found that the tendering process allegedly included restrictive technical specifications and conditions that favoured a particular technology provider, Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd. This allegedly limited competition and gave undue advantage to the private entity, PTI reported.
The agency alleged that the proposed pilot study was never conducted, while the tender included restrictive conditions relating to the technology and media to be used. It further alleged that key parameters concerning treated effluent were omitted and technical specifications were subsequently altered, resulting in significant financial implications for the government exchequer.
The investigation also uncovered regular communication between private individuals, public servants and intermediaries, allegedly aimed at manipulating the tender process. Electronic evidence allegedly showed that tender conditions and corrigendums were shared and later included in the Delhi Jal Board’s tender notice.
The agency further alleged that commission or bribe money was routed through intermediary entities, including Srijanhar and AN Enterprises.
The investigation allegedly found that substantial amounts were transferred to the proprietorship concern of Yadav by entities linked to Euroteck. Further transactions allegedly resulted in the transfer of funds to Rai and his relatives through banking channels.
The ACB said that Former Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai (IAS) received Rs 1.52 crore in his and his relatives' bank accounts through AN Enterprises, and the money was allegedly used for purchasing immovable property. The agency alleged that the money was subsequently used to purchase immovable property. It added that the complete money trail and the alleged proceeds of crime were still being examined.
The ACB also cited alleged communications between Kurra, Yadav and Srivastava concerning meetings, tender conditions and corrigendums. According to the agency, the material indicated that certain conditions were introduced or modified to favour Euroteck.
The six accused were interrogated and arrested on Tuesday in accordance with the law, the ACB said, adding that further investigation was underway.
( With inputs from agency )