The CBI has filed a chargesheet against ex-J&K Governor Satyapal Malik in the ₹2,200 crore Kiru Hydropower Project Corruption Case. Get full details on the corruption case, Malik’s response, and political ramifications.
New Delhi, May 22, 2025 – In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik and five others in the ₹2,200-crore Kiru Hydropower Project corruption case. The move comes after an intensive three-year-long investigation.
The chargesheet was submitted before a special CBI court on Thursday, naming Satyapal Malik and senior officials involved with the Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), including Navin Kumar Choudhary, former CVPPPL Chairman, and senior officers M S Babu, M K Mittal, Arun Kumar Mishra, and the private contractor Patel Engineering Limited.
Malik’s Response from Hospital Bed
On the same day the chargesheet surfaced, Satyapal Malik posted a message on social media platform X, stating he was currently hospitalized and not in a condition to speak.
“I am getting many calls from well-wishers, but I am unable to take them. I am admitted in hospital and cannot talk to anyone,” he wrote.
Background of the Case
The case revolves around alleged irregularities and corruption in awarding a civil construction contract worth ₹2,200 crore for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power (HEP) Project in 2019. Despite a board decision in its 47th meeting to conduct re-tendering via e-tendering and reverse auction, the project was eventually awarded to Patel Engineering Limited, bypassing the recommended process.
In 2022, the CBI registered an FIR and conducted raids in February 2023 at multiple locations, including Malik’s residence.
Malik’s Explosive Claims
Interestingly, it was Malik himself who had brought the issue into the spotlight. During his tenure as J&K Governor from August 23, 2018 to October 30, 2019, he publicly claimed that he was offered a ₹300-crore bribe to clear two controversial files—one of which was related to the Kiru Hydropower project.
However, after the CBI launched its probe, Malik strongly denied any wrongdoing.
“Instead of investigating those I named in my complaint, the CBI chose to raid my home,” Malik had said previously.
“They won’t find anything here except 4–5 kurtas and pyjamas. The dictator is misusing agencies to silence me. I’m a farmer’s son—I will neither bow down nor be afraid,” he had posted online.
Who Else Is Named in the Chargesheet?
Along with Malik, the CBI has also booked:
- Navin Kumar Choudhary – Then Chairman, CVPPPL
- M S Babu – Then MD, CVPPPL
- M K Mittal and Arun Kumar Mishra – Senior Officials at CVPPPL
- Patel Engineering Limited – The private firm awarded the contract
The central agency alleges that the e-tendering process was deliberately bypassed, and the tender was illegally granted, raising serious concerns about favoritism and manipulation.
Political Repercussions
The chargesheet is likely to have major political implications, especially since Malik has been a vocal critic of the current government on multiple issues, including farmers’ protests and alleged misuse of central agencies.
What’s Next?
Legal experts say that the case is poised to become a high-profile courtroom battle. With Malik now formally named in the chargesheet, further legal scrutiny and proceedings will follow in the coming weeks.
The CBI’s move to file a chargesheet against a former governor and a whistleblower in the same case has sparked nationwide debate. Whether Malik’s claims of being targeted stand ground or not, the coming days will reveal the political and judicial ramifications of this high-stakes corruption case.