Did ED Conduct Raids in Delhi Jal Board STP Scam Case? Rs 41 Lakh Seized!

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Did ED Conduct Raids in Delhi Jal Board STP Scam Case? Rs 41 Lakh Seized!

Synopsis

The Enforcement Directorate has intensified its investigation into the Delhi Jal Board STP scam, conducting raids across major cities and seizing substantial cash. This corruption case raises serious questions about the integrity of public contracts and the mechanisms of accountability in government projects.

Key Takeaways

  • The ED conducted raids across multiple cities in relation to the DJB STP scam.
  • Rs 41 lakh was seized along with critical evidence.
  • Allegations include collusion among Joint Ventures and inflated project costs.
  • The investigation is based on an FIR from the Anti-Corruption Branch.
  • Further inquiries are being conducted to trace financial trails.

New Delhi, July 3 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched extensive search operations across various cities, including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Hyderabad on July 3, as part of an investigation into a corruption scandal tied to the Delhi Jal Board’s (DJB) sewage treatment initiatives.

This investigation is rooted in an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi Government against M/s Euroteck Environmental Pvt Ltd and others, invoking multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The case revolves around alleged misconduct in awarding contracts totaling Rs 1,943 crore for the enhancement and upgrade of ten Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in the national capital.

The four principal tenders — concerning STPs at Pappankalan, Nilothi, Najafgarh, Keshopur, Coronation Pillar, Narela, Rohini, and Kondli — were granted in October 2022 to three Joint Venture (JV) firms.

According to the FIR, only three JVs contended for all four tenders, each obtaining one or two contracts through a seemingly mutual agreement.

Investigators suspect that the JVs colluded to skew the bidding process. The ACB asserts that the tendering procedures were intentionally made restrictive — particularly through the requirement of Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge technology — which narrowed the pool of eligible bidders.

Furthermore, the projected costs of the projects were inflated from Rs 1,546 crore to Rs 1,943 crore without appropriate justification or updated project reports, allegedly leading to substantial losses of public funds.

The findings from the ED have reinforced the FIR, indicating that all three JVs submitted identical experience certificates from a Taiwanese project, which were approved by the DJB without proper verification.

Following their successful bidding, the JVs subcontracted all work to Euroteck Environmental Pvt Ltd, the original accused named in the FIR.

During the operations, ED officials confiscated Rs 41 lakh in cash, alongside several incriminating documents and digital evidence.

The ED has announced that further investigations are ongoing to trace the financial trail and ascertain the involvement of officials and private entities implicated in the alleged fraud.

Point of View

It's imperative to recognize the serious implications of the ED's findings in this case. The allegations of corruption and collusion among private entities raise vital concerns about transparency and accountability in public governance. As a nation, we must demand stringent measures to safeguard public funds and uphold the integrity of our institutions.
NationPress
03/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What sparked the ED's investigation into the DJB STP scam?
The investigation was initiated based on an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Branch against M/s Euroteck Environmental Pvt Ltd and others over allegations of corruption in contract awards.
How much money was seized during the ED raids?
During the raids, the Enforcement Directorate seized Rs 41 lakh in cash along with incriminating documents.
What are the main allegations against the involved parties?
The allegations include collusion among Joint Venture firms to manipulate the bidding process and inflate project costs without justification.
What is the estimated cost of the contracts involved?
The contracts in question are worth a total of Rs 1,943 crore for upgrading sewage treatment plants.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, the Enforcement Directorate has confirmed that further investigations are underway to trace the money trail and uncover the roles of all parties involved.