New Delhi, August 19: The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi government has arrested six individuals, including former water minister Satyendar Kumar Jain, in connection with a significant scam involving the sewage treatment plant (STP) tender of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The arrested individuals also include former DJB CEO IAS Udit Prakash Rai, former contractual consultant Ankit Srivastava, and owners of three private companies.
This operation was carried out under FIR number 10/2024. The case is registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code, including sections 420, 409, 418, and 120-B.
The complaint originated from the vigilance directorate of the GNCTD. Allegations suggest that there were widespread irregularities in the tender process for upgrading the DJB’s STP plants. Investigations revealed that the technical specifications of the tender were manipulated to favor a specific technology provider, Eurotech Environment Private Limited.
Officials noted that a proposed pilot study was not conducted. Restrictive conditions related to the technology and media were added, and essential parameters for treated water were removed. These alterations resulted in an additional financial burden on the government and limited competition.
Electronic evidence indicates that the tender conditions, clean certificates, and other documents were shared in advance between private individuals and government officials. These documents were later included in the DJB’s tender notice, suggesting collusion to influence the tender process.
The ACB’s financial investigation has uncovered a money trail. It appears that companies like Srijanhar and AN Enterprises were used as intermediaries for the exchange of commissions and bribes.
It is alleged that funds from Eurotech were first transferred to AN Enterprises, followed by a transfer of ₹1.52 crore from the proprietor Nagendra Yadav’s firm to the bank accounts of Udit Prakash Rai and his relatives. The investigation agency claims this money was used for purchasing real estate.
Further inquiries revealed ongoing discussions between Raja Kumar Kurra, Nagendra Yadav, and Ankit Srivastava regarding the STP tender, its conditions, and clean certificates. These discussions led to the inclusion of terms that directly benefited Eurotech.
On Tuesday, the ACB arrested the six accused, including former water minister Satyendar Kumar Jain, former DJB CEO Udit Prakash Rai, former contractual consultant Ankit Srivastava, owner of AN Enterprises Nagendra Yadav, owner of Eurotech Environment Private Limited Raja Kumar Kurra, and owner of Srijanhar Pankaj Verma.
ACB officials stated that a thorough investigation into the illicit earnings and financial transactions related to the case is ongoing. Further action will be taken after questioning all the accused.
This case is linked to the DJB’s STP upgrade project, which proposed a substantial government investment. The ACB alleges that the project was manipulated to benefit a particular company, violating government procedures and regulations.
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