ED Seizes Rs 41 Lakh in Delhi Jal Board Corruption Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 41 lakh, various documents, and digital evidence during a search operation in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. This operation is connected to the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) corruption case involving the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
Details of the Case
The ED’s Delhi Zonal Office conducted the raids on July 3. The investigation began after Delhi’s Anti Corruption Branch filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Euroteck Environmental Pvt Ltd and others. The FIR alleges a scam in the augmentation and upgradation of 10 STPs at various locations, including Pappankala, Nilothi, Najafgarh, Keshopur, Coronation Pillar, Narela, Rohini, and Kondli.
Tender Irregularities
Four tenders worth Rs 1,943 crore were awarded to joint ventures in October 2022. The FIR claims that only three joint ventures participated in all four tenders, ensuring each got a tender. The tender conditions were allegedly restrictive to limit participation. The initial cost estimate of Rs 1,546 crore was revised to Rs 1,943 crore, leading to inflated contract awards and financial loss.
Further Findings
The ED found that the same experience certificate from a Taiwan project was used by all three joint ventures to secure the tenders, which were then subcontracted to Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd. The cost revision from Rs 1,546 crore to Rs 1,943 crore was done without proper procedures.
