The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted extensive raids across Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad in connection with alleged money laundering linked to Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) under the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
The operation, targeting corruption in the augmentation and upgradation of 10 STPs, resulted in significant findings and seizures.
During the raids, ED officials seized Rs 41 lakh in cash along with incriminating documents and digital evidence.
The investigation focused on irregularities within DJB, particularly concerning the augmentation and upgradation projects at STPs including Pappankala, Nilothi, Najafgarh, Keshopur, Coronation Pillar, Narela, Rohini, and Kondli.
According to ED sources, the DJB allegedly treated costs for upgradation and augmentation at par, despite industry norms suggesting lower costs for upgradation.
The scrutiny revealed that various Joint Venture (JV) entities allegedly conspired to secure tenders worth Rs 1943 crore awarded to them in October 2022 at inflated rates.
The investigation highlighted that three JVs colluded to ensure mutual success in bidding, with each JV receiving a portion of the tenders.
Shockingly, DJB accepted identical experience certificates from a Taiwan project submitted by all three JVs without verification.
Subsequently, these JVs subcontracted the work to M/s Euroteck Environmental Pvt Ltd, based in Hyderabad.
Moreover, initial estimates for the four tenders totaled Rs 1546 crore but were later revised to Rs 1943 crore without proper due diligence, according to tender documents scrutinized by ED investigators.
This discrepancy underscores potential procedural lapses that may have led to substantial financial losses to the exchequer.
The ED’s actions mark a significant step in unraveling the alleged corruption network surrounding DJB’s STP projects, emphasizing the importance of stringent oversight and accountability in public infrastructure projects.
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