The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). According to official sources, the ED has filed its first chargesheet related to a money-laundering probe linked to these irregularities. The chargesheet was submitted before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Delhi on March 28.
Accused Individuals and Company Named
The prosecution complaint lists four individuals and a company as the accused. These include former DJB chief engineer Jagdish Kumar Arora, contractor Anil Kumar Agarwal, former NBCC general manager D K Mittal, Tejinder Singh, and NKG Infrastructure Limited.
Allegations by the Enforcement Directorate
The ED has alleged that bribe money generated from corruption in a DJB contract was funneled as election funds to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi. While Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was summoned for questioning in the case, he did not depose before the agency.
Arrests and Investigations
Earlier arrests in the case include Arora and Agarwal, made by the ED on January 31. The basis of the ED’s case lies in an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which accuses Arora of awarding a DJB contract to NKG Infrastructure Limited despite the company allegedly not meeting technical eligibility criteria.
Claim of Forged Documents and Misappropriated Funds
The ED alleges that NKG Infrastructure Limited secured the contract by submitting forged documents, and Arora was aware of the company’s lack of technical eligibility. The agency claims that bribe amounts were passed on to various individuals involved in managing DJB affairs, including those connected with the AAP, and were also used as election funds.
Denial of Charges and Response
Delhi minister Atishi has denied the charges, stating at a press briefing that they are an attempt to tarnish the image of the AAP and its leaders.
The filing of the chargesheet marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the DJB. The ED’s allegations of money laundering and misuse of funds underscore the gravity of the situation, while responses from involved parties indicate a contentious legal battle ahead.
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