Former J&K Guv Satyapal Malik under CBI scanner for alleged insurance scam
CBI team at Satyapal Malik residence: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday reached the residence of former Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Satya Pal Malik in connection with an alleged bribery case of Rs 60 crore.
The CBI team has arrived to record his statement and collect other information. Last year, the CBI had registered a case in this regard and conducted raids in six states.
The CBI will on Friday question former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in connection with the probe into the alleged insurance 'scam' in the Union Territory, officials said. A CBI team reached Malik's Som Vihar residence in RK Puram area of the national capital around 11.45 am to seek his clarification on his claims.
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Malik is not an accused or suspect in the case so far. This is the second time in seven months that Malik, who has served as governor of various states, will be questioned by the CBI. His statement was recorded in October last year after he served as the governor of Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Goa and Meghalaya.
The CBI has registered two FIRs in connection with allegations of corruption by Malik in awarding contracts for the Group Medical Insurance Scheme for government employees and civil works worth Rs 2,200 crore related to the Kiru hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir.
Malik had claimed that between August 23, 2018 and October 30, 2019, he was offered a bribe of Rs 300 crore to clear two files during his tenure as the governor of Jammu and Kashmir. After the CBI's fresh notice seeking his explanation, he had tweeted, "I have exposed the sins of some people by speaking the truth. Maybe that's why I have been called. I am a farmer's son, I will not panic. I stand by the truth."
The CBI team which has reached Malik's residence will interrogate him in the alleged insurance scam case. They will seek clarification from him on his claims and collect other information related to the case. The CBI will also question Malik about his decision to cancel the health insurance scheme that he was allegedly asked to pursue when he was the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
The CBI is investigating the two FIRs registered against Malik and will question him to determine if there is any merit to the allegations of bribery and corruption. The investigation will also seek to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the Kiru hydroelectric project and the Group Medical Insurance Scheme for government employees.
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- With inputs from agencies
