CENTRAL Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its crackdown on corruption by registering a case against Intakhab Alam, the former Deputy General Manager (DGM) of Engineering Projects (India) Limited (EPIL), Bhilai, and Manoj Kumar Soni, a partner in a Bhilai-based private firm, M/s SPS Construction and Engineering Works. The investigation targets serious allegations of fraudulent practices related to a highvalue civil construction contract at Bhilai Steel Plant, prompting extensive searches at the accused individuals’ residences and offices in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, and Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. The CBI’s registration of this case follows an agreement dated 30th April 2010, between Bhilai Steel Plant, a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and EPIL, a Government of India enterprise.

 

“The contract, valued at an enormous Rs 550.82 crore, was intended for the augmentation of the Raw Material Receipt and Handling Facilities, including the construction of a new Ore Handling Plant (OHP), as part of Package-61 at Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP). This project was expected to enhance the operational efficiency and capacity of the plant significantly. As part of the project execution, EPIL floated several ‘Notices Inviting Tender (NIT)’ for various civil construction works, attracting bids from multiple companies, including M/s SPS Construction and Engineering Works. The firm, where Manoj Kumar Soni served as a partner, successfully secured contracts under the PKG-061 package. However, it is now alleged that Soni, in collusion with the then DGM of EPIL, engaged in fraudulent activities to secure undue financial gains,” said the official sources privy to the investigation. According to the CBI’s investigation, Soni’s firm allegedly submitted forged documents, including Gate Material Entry Challans (Form CISF-157), store-issued slips, and fabricated invoices to EPIL.

 

These documents were crucial in the approval and processing of payments related to the supply and placement of reinforcement steel. It is further alleged that these fraudulent documents were verified and approved by Intakhab Alam, who was serving as the DGM at the time. This approval facilitated the wrongful gain of RS 84.05 lakh to Soni’s firm, resulting in a corresponding financial loss to EPIL. “The investigation, which led to today’s searches at multiple locations, underscores the CBI’s commitment to uncovering and addressing corruption within government enterprises, particularly in crucial sectors such as steel and power. By focusing on the involvement of high-ranking officials and private entities, the agency aims to dismantle the networks of corruption that undermine the integrity of public sector projects,” the sources averred.

 

As the investigation progresses, as per the sources, more details are expected to emerge, providing further insights into the mechanisms employed to perpetrate the fraud and the extent of the corruption. The CBI’s ongoing efforts in this case are likely to lead to significant consequences, including potential arrests and further legal actions, depending on the findings. This case has already attracted substantial attention due to the high profile of the involved parties and the significant financial implications. The CBI’s proactive approach is seen as a critical step toward ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in the execution of large-scale public projects, the sources maintained.