CBI chargesheets then RO NHAI, proprietor of construction firm

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 27: The CBI today filed chargesheet against the then Regional Officer, Natioal Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Regional Office, Jammu and Proprietor of M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary before the court of Bala Jyoti, Special Judge, Anti Corruption, CBI Cases, Jammu.
The FIR was registered on 24.03.2021 against the then Regional Officer, NHAI, Regional Office, Jammu; and proprietor of M/S M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary (firm) on the allegations regarding irregularities in award of tender, for improvement and routine maintenance of Lakhanpur- Jammu section for Rs.9.34 Cr. (approximately).
Searches were conducted in the case on 26.03.2021 at seven places in Jammu, Chandigarh & Ropar. During the searches, huge cash of more than Rs. 65 lakhs was recovered from the premises of the contractor and cash of more than Rs.2 lakhs was recovered from the premises of the then Regional Officer, NHAI, besides other documents and digital devices.
During investigation, it was found that the experience certificates submitted by the proprietor of M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary along with its bid, were forged and tender was awarded to the firm by Tender Evaluation Committee. Investigation revealed that the then Regional officer, NHAI, entered into criminal conspiracy and dishonestly favoured the firm M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary in award of tender.
On the basis of findings of investigation, the competent authority granted sanction for prosecution of accused public servant on 17.10.2023.
Accordingly, charge sheet has been filed today.