The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed two fresh First Information Reports (FIRs) and taken over the investigation of corruption cases that were previously being examined by the Delhi government's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB). These cases involve a now-deceased man who was a close relative of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Details of the Cases
The first case is against Kamal Singh of M/s Kamal Singh and unidentified government officials. The second case pertains to alleged irregularities involving Surender Bansal of M/s Renu Constructions and yet-to-be-identified Public Works Department (PWD) officials. Bansal, who was Kejriwal's brother-in-law, passed away in 2017.
Transfer of Cases to CBI
According to officials, the cases are interlinked and were transferred to the CBI after the Delhi government issued a notification through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The CBI has registered the cases under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including cheating, forgery, and using forged documents as genuine, as well as under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Allegations in the ACB FIR
The allegations in the ACB FIR state that Bansal received payments despite the work not being completed. It is alleged that under the influence of Kejriwal, the bid and its technical marks were manipulated, and the work was awarded at 46% lower than the market price. The ACB FIR further claims that Bansal operated M/s Renu Constructions to obtain public work contracts through fraud in connivance with public servants in the PWD.
The FIR states: "In the matter of construction of drain and improvement of side beams – from Shani Mandir to Bakoli Village – a contract was awarded to Bansal and his construction company M/s Renu Constructions for Rs 4.9 crore. As per PWD and other records, materials were procured from Mahadev Impex, having its office in Sonipat, but no such business was ever conducted with them as per sales tax records."
Complainant's Claims
The complainant in the ACB FIR claimed that he sought information through an RTI application for site verification, which was denied. He then conducted a site inspection, which revealed that no work had been done. Quoting the complainant, the ACB FIR said: "It was a paper exercise to cause substantive gains to the brother-in-law of Kejriwal under his influence. That now under this stage it’s now established beyond reasonable doubt as to how Mr Bansal could manage to take public contract on 46% lower rate quotes... that Mr Bansal has used the name of Mr Kamal Singh of M/s Kamal Singh and, thereby, cheated public treasury."
Second FIR
The second FIR is filed against Kamal Singh, proprietor of M/s Kamal Singh, and unknown officials of the PWD. This case was also transferred by the Delhi government through a notification issued by the MHA.
