AAP leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Kumar Jain was arrested along with five others in connection with an alleged ₹1.943-crore multi-tender scam involving four major Delhi Jal Board projects, ANI reported.
The arrests were carried out by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch in connection with a 2024 FIR registered following a complaint by the Directorate of Vigilance, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The case concerns alleged large-scale irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process for the augmentation and upgradation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) operated by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
Those arrested along with Jain include Udit Prakash Rai (IAS), former CEO of the Delhi Jal Board; Ankit Srivastava, former contractual consultant with the Delhi Jal Board; Nagendra Yadav, proprietor of M/s AN Enterprises; Raja Kumar Kurra, owner of M/s Euroteck Environment Pvt. Ltd.; and Pankaj Verma, proprietor of M/s Srijanhar.
The FIR was registered on May 11, 2024, over alleged irregularities and manipulation in the tendering process for the augmentation and upgradation of sewage treatment plants under the Delhi Jal Board.
AAP Calls Satyendar Jain’s Arrest Political
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) termed Jain’s arrest politically motivated. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal alleged that Jain, who had spent months in jail in a money laundering case before securing bail in 2024, had once again been arrested at the behest of the BJP. He also claimed that the earlier case against Jain was fabricated.
Kejriwal accused the BJP of using false charges and imprisonment to target political opponents. He questioned how long the alleged “dictatorship” would continue and claimed that the latest case against Jain would also eventually be proven false.
“The cup of the BJP’s sins has now overflowed. No matter how much dictatorship they resort to, the end of the Modi government is now certain. The entire Aam Aadmi Party and the people of the country stand firmly with Satendra Jain ji,” Kejriwal said in a post on X in Hindi.
AAP National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda also questioned Jain’s alleged responsibility in the tender process, claiming that he was in jail when the Delhi Jal Board tender was issued.
“How many more proofs are needed that the BJP is scared of the AAP? At the time of that Jal Board tender, Satyendra ji was in jail. How did he become responsible from jail? The real reason is that Satyendra Jain is the AAP co-in-charge of Punjab and elections are coming up there,” Dhanda wrote on X.
What Is the Delhi Jal Board Scam Case About?
The case stems from a complaint filed by the Directorate of Vigilance over alleged irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process related to the augmentation and upgradation of Delhi Jal Board sewage treatment plants.
According to the Anti-Corruption Branch, its investigation found that the tender allegedly contained restrictive technical specifications and conditions designed to favour a particular technology provider, Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd. The agency alleged that these conditions restricted competition and provided an undue advantage to the private company.
Investigators also alleged that the proposed pilot study was not conducted and that restrictive conditions were included regarding the technology and materials to be used. The agency said key parameters for treated wastewater were omitted and technical specifications were altered, allegedly resulting in significant financial loss to the government.
The Anti-Corruption Branch said its analysis of electronic evidence revealed communications involving private individuals, government officials and intermediaries concerning the tender process. Tender conditions, corrigendums and other related documents were allegedly exchanged among them before being incorporated into the Delhi Jal Board’s sewage treatment plant tender notice.
Investigators Trace Alleged Money Trail
Investigators said the evidence pointed to an alleged nexus between private individuals and public functionaries to influence the tender conditions in favour of Euroteck Environment Pvt Ltd.
The financial investigation allegedly revealed the movement of funds in the form of commissions or bribes through intermediary entities, including Srijanhar and AN Enterprises.
According to officials, substantial amounts were transferred to the proprietorship concern of Nagendra Yadav by entities linked to the private technology provider. These funds were then allegedly transferred further to government officials and their relatives.
The agency specifically alleged that Udit Prakash Rai, who was then CEO of the Delhi Jal Board, received ₹1.52 crore in his and his relatives’ bank accounts through banking channels from AN Enterprises.
The agency alleged that the money was subsequently used to purchase immovable property. According to investigators, the funds transferred through AN Enterprises originated from Euroteck, the technology provider.
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The investigation is continuing to establish the complete money trail and examine the alleged proceeds of crime.
Investigators also alleged that communications between Raja Kumar Kurra, Nagendra Yadav and Ankit Srivastava discussed meetings, tender conditions, corrigendums and other matters linked to the STP tender. Officials said the communications indicated that certain restrictive conditions were allegedly introduced or modified to favour Euroteck.
The Anti-Corruption Branch said all six accused were interrogated before being arrested on August 18 based on material collected during the investigation.
Further investigation into the alleged tender manipulation, flow of funds and the role of other persons is underway.