Agencies | New Delhi:
Former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain and five others have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with alleged irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and a suspected financial nexus in contracts related to sewage treatment plants (STPs) of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
Those arrested include Udit Prakash Rai, former CEO of the Delhi Jal Board; Ankit Srivastava, a former contractual consultant with the DJB; Nagendra Yadav, proprietor of A.N. Enterprises; Raja Kumar Kurra, owner of Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd; and Pankaj Verma, proprietor of Srijanhar.
The case was registered on the basis of a complaint by the Directorate of Vigilance alleging large-scale irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process for the augmentation and upgradation of STPs operated by the Delhi Jal Board.
The accused have been booked under Sections 7, 7A, 9 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, along with Sections 420, 409, 418 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, according to the ACB.
According to the anti-corruption agency, its investigation found that the tendering process allegedly contained restrictive technical specifications and conditions that favoured a particular technology provider, Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd.
The ACB alleged that the conditions had the effect of restricting competition and extending an undue advantage to the selected private entity.
The agency also cited several alleged irregularities, including failure to conduct a proposed pilot study, insertion of restrictive conditions concerning the technology or media to be used, exclusion of essential parameters relating to treated effluent and subsequent modifications to technical specifications.
According to the ACB, the alleged changes had significant financial implications for the government exchequer.
The agency said its analysis of electronic evidence allegedly revealed communications among private individuals, public servants and intermediaries concerning tender conditions, corrigendums and other documents related to the STP projects.
The ACB alleged that several of the conditions and documents discussed in these communications were subsequently incorporated into the tender notice issued by the Delhi Jal Board.
The investigation, it said, points to an alleged nexus between private parties and public functionaries aimed at influencing tender conditions in favour of a particular technology provider.
The agency has also alleged that commission or bribe payments were routed through intermediary entities, including Srijanhar and A.N. Enterprises.
According to the ACB, its financial investigation found that substantial amounts were transferred to the proprietorship concern of accused Nagendra Yadav from entities allegedly linked to Euroteck, the technology provider.
The agency further alleged that money was subsequently transferred to the bank accounts of former DJB CEO Udit Prakash Rai and his relatives.
The ACB claimed that Rai allegedly received ₹1.52 crore through banking channels from A.N. Enterprises in his accounts and those of his relatives.
The agency further alleged that the amount was subsequently used to purchase immovable property, while the funds transferred through A.N. Enterprises originated from Euroteck.
The ACB said its investigation into the alleged money trail and suspected proceeds of crime is continuing.
The investigation has also brought under scrutiny alleged communications between Raja Kumar Kurra, Nagendra Yadav and Ankit Srivastava concerning meetings, tender conditions, corrigendums and other aspects of the STP tendering process.
The agency alleged that certain restrictive conditions were introduced or subsequently modified in a manner favourable to Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd.
The arrests mark a significant development in the ACB’s probe into alleged corruption and irregularities surrounding the Delhi Jal Board’s STP tendering process. The allegations remain subject to judicial scrutiny, and the accused are entitled to due process under law.
Reacting to Jain’s arrest, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the former minister had been arrested at the behest of the BJP.
Kejriwal said the earlier case against Jain was also “fabricated” and claimed that the latest allegations would similarly be disproved in court.
He criticised what he described as the BJP’s use of investigative agencies against political opponents and expressed concern over the personal and legal consequences faced by Jain.
The AAP leader also said the party and its supporters stood firmly behind Jain, while asserting that the political fallout from the case would ultimately be decided through the legal process and public scrutiny.
