Former Jammu and Kashmir governor, Satya Pal Malik, has been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to answer questions related to an alleged insurance scam. This is the second time since last year that the CBI has sought his appearance in the case. Malik had previously reported about insurance scams and irregularities in civil work worth ₹2,200 crore for the Kiru hydroelectric power project in J&K.
Malik confirmed that he has been asked to come to their Delhi office to give clarification regarding the alleged insurance scam. “They want certain clarifications for which they want my presence. I am going to Rajasthan, so I have given them dates from April 27 to 29 when I am available,” Malik said.
In April last year, the CBI had registered two FIRs over corruption allegations levelled by Malik in awarding contracts for a group medical insurance scheme for UT government employees and civil work worth ₹2,200 crore for the Kiru hydroelectric power project in Jammu and Kashmir.
Even after moving out of J&K to become Meghalaya governor, Malik repeated the allegations. The Jammu and Kashmir government subsequently recommended the CBI probe into allegations by Malik that he was offered ₹300 crore bribe for clearing files of big industrial houses which he did not accept and cancelled the deals.
Former BJP leader Malik had earlier also charged that an RSS leader was involved in the corruption. In 2018, Malik, as Governor, had cancelled Jammu and Kashmir Group Medical Insurance Policy for government servants that Anil Ambani’s Reliance General Insurance was to be awarded, on the allegations that “it was full of frauds”.
The CBI is investigating allegations of corruption in awarding contracts for a group medical insurance scheme for UT government employees and civil work worth ₹2,200 crore for the Kiru hydroelectric power project in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik's summons comes as part of this ongoing investigation.
Malik's repeated allegations of corruption and irregularities in Jammu and Kashmir have been a source of controversy in the region. The CBI's investigation will shed more light on the matter, and could have implications for other officials implicated in the alleged scams. It remains to be seen what further developments will arise from this investigation, but one thing is certain: corruption and malfeasance will not be tolerated by the authorities.
