CBI’s surprise check at Barh power station

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), along with a vigilance officer of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), on Thursday carried out a surprise check at Super Thermal Power Station in the Barh area of Patna district, following allegations of corruption in awarding contracts and extortion racket being run by local mafia.

“In the last few months, we have received several complaints of violations in awarding of small tenders to firms at double the <g data-gr-id="25">price, than</g> the estimated cost. A joint team of CBI and NTPC’s vigilance department was formed to conduct a surprise check,” CBI spokesperson said.

“There were two allegations – corruption and cartelization in awarding contracts at higher estimated costs and the second was extortion of funds from NTPC contractors by <g data-gr-id="23">local</g> mafia and criminal elements,” he added.

It was found that “same set of firms” used to walk away with <g data-gr-id="31">majority</g> of the contracts at a higher price in connivance with the NTPC officials. “Some of the companies from outside, who managed to get <g data-gr-id="29">contract</g>, were subjected to heavy extortion. We are also suspecting the role of NTPC officials, local <g data-gr-id="28">contractors</g> and influential persons is the whole racket,” he said.

It was <g data-gr-id="22">learnt</g> that due to the mismanagement and hooliganism, several project implementation of NTPC at Barh was seriously hampered. 

“We have seized several relevant documents and further action will be taken after scrutinizing them,” he said. Sources said, some of the officials were questioned and were asked to cooperate in the probe. Recently on June 27, NTPC - a <g data-gr-id="27">maharatna</g> company under the ministry of power - has signed  MoU with the National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).