New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against several former officials of Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in connection with an alleged ₹800 crore scam related to the dredging of a shipping channel.
The FIR names senior former executives from both TCE and JNPT for criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in awarding and executing contracts for dredging work in JNPT’s navigational channel — a key project aimed at deepening and widening the port’s access channel to accommodate larger vessels.
Allegations of Overestimation and Collusion
According to CBI sources, the accused colluded to inflate project costs by deliberately overestimating dredging volumes and approving inflated invoices submitted by private contractors. The inflated quantities allegedly led to a loss of over ₹800 crore to the exchequer.
The CBI alleges that TCE officials, acting as project consultants, submitted manipulated technical evaluations and failed to flag discrepancies, enabling the execution of substandard or incomplete work. Some JNPT officials are also accused of certifying false completion reports and facilitating payments without proper verification.
Contractors Under the Scanner
While the FIR currently names ex-officials from the two organizations, several private dredging firms are also being investigated for their role in the scam. Sources suggest that tenders may have been tailor-made to benefit select contractors.
Raids Conducted, Documents Seized
The CBI recently conducted raids at multiple locations in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and other cities linked to the accused. Crucial documents, digital records, and financial statements were reportedly seized during the searches.
What Is the JNPT Channel Dredging Project?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port, India’s busiest container port, launched the dredging project to deepen its main access channel from 14 to 15 meters to allow passage for larger container ships. The project was critical to enhancing the port's competitiveness and handling capacity.
The dredging work, completed in phases over several years, was overseen by engineering consultants and implemented by private contractors.
CBI Statement
A CBI spokesperson said, "We have registered a case under sections of the IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigation is underway to identify the full extent of the conspiracy and additional beneficiaries."
JNPT, TCE Yet to Respond
As of now, there has been no official response from either JNPT or Tata Consulting Engineers regarding the allegations. However, both organizations are expected to issue statements in the coming days.
FAQs
Q1: What is the ₹800 crore JNPT dredging scam about?
A: The scam involves alleged irregularities and corruption in a ship channel dredging project at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), where officials from JNPT and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) are accused of inflating costs and certifying false work, resulting in a loss of around ₹800 crore.
Q2: Who has been booked in the case by the CBI?
A: The CBI has booked former officials of Tata Consulting Engineers and JNPT. Private contractors involved in the dredging project are also under investigation.
Q3: What was the purpose of the JNPT dredging project?
A: The dredging project aimed to deepen and widen JNPT’s navigational channel to accommodate larger container ships and enhance port capacity.
Q4: What are the key allegations made by the CBI?
A: The CBI alleges that officials overestimated dredging quantities, approved inflated invoices, and colluded with contractors. Project consultants from TCE allegedly submitted manipulated reports, and JNPT officials certified unverified work.
Q5: Have any raids been conducted in connection with the scam?
A: Yes, the CBI has conducted raids at multiple locations across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, seizing documents and digital evidence linked to the accused.
published on 21st june
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