CBI Files Chargesheet Against Former J&K Governor Satyapal Malik in Kiru Hydropower Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik and five others in connection with alleged corruption linked to the Kiru Hydropower Project. The case involves irregularities in the awarding of a Rs 2,200 crore civil works contract. After a three-year investigation, the agency submitted its findings to a special court, formally naming Malik and the five co-accused.

Responding to the development, Malik stated via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he had been hospitalized and was not in a condition to speak. He acknowledged receiving numerous calls from well-wishers but said he was unable to respond.

The CBI had previously carried out searches at the residences and premises of Malik and other individuals involved in the case in February 2024.

The agency had earlier registered an FIR in 2022, citing alleged irregularities in the awarding of the 2019 civil works contract for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power (HEP) Project to a private firm.

Satyapal Malik served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019. He had publicly claimed that he was offered a bribe of Rs 300 crore to approve two files, one of which related to the Kiru project.

Despite these claims, Malik has denied any wrongdoing. Following the CBI’s raids last year, he criticized the agency for targeting him instead of probing those he had previously accused of corruption.