CBI moves against ex-NHAI official for violation of terms

30 Mar 2021 Editorial Team

The First Information Report (FIR) names the then NHAI-Jammu Regional Officer, Hem Raj, and Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, proprietor of the private company named M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, besides the company, as accused.

Last year, the CBI had ordered a preliminary enquiry against the company and unknown officials on the allegation that it was awarded the work order of Rs 9.34 crore for improvement and routine maintenance of the Lakhanpur-Jammu section, including the Jammu Bypass Road in Jammu & Kashmir, in violation of the tender’s terms and conditions.

The CBI found that the NHAI’s Jammu office invited bids through e-tendering for the work. The tender was cancelled and a fresh one was issued in January 2018.

The conditions included that each bidder should have achieved an average annual financial turnover equal to the amount indicated in the notice inviting tender, during the last three years ending March 31 of the previous financial year, certified by a Chartered Accountant. The previous similar works shown as experience should have been satisfactorily completed as a prime contractor during the last seven years.

The tender evaluation committee examined the bids and it turned out that the certificates of the other four bidders clearly mentioned the experience of work on the GT Road However, the accused firm’s certificate was silent about the nature of work, as alleged.

After the opening of the financial bids, the committee recommended the acceptability of rates of the lowest bidder, M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, which was 41.25% below the estimated cost of Rs 15.90 crore of the tender.

The second-lowest bidder, M/s Mohandas V Rajani, made a representation complaining about alleged discrepancies. His complaint was turned down stating that it was out of context. However, during the initial probe, Mr Rajak told the agency that the issue had not been discussed in the committee.

M/s Mohandas V Rajani approached the Delhi High Court, which directed the NHAI to verify the experience certificates submitted by M/s Rajesh Kumar Chaudhary. It is alleged that the then Regional Officer did not take efforts to do the verification properly.

Image Source

Also read: CBI lodges FIR against DHFL for fake PMAY subsidy claims

An ex-Regional Officer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)-Jammu division, along with others, has been booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under allegations of awarding a Rs 9.34 crore work contract to a company that did not meet NHAI's tender eligibility. The First Information Report (FIR) names the then NHAI-Jammu Regional Officer, Hem Raj, and Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, proprietor of the private company named M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, besides the company, as accused. Last year, the CBI had ordered a preliminary enquiry against the company and unknown officials on the allegation that it was awarded the work order of Rs 9.34 crore for improvement and routine maintenance of the Lakhanpur-Jammu section, including the Jammu Bypass Road in Jammu & Kashmir, in violation of the tender’s terms and conditions. The CBI found that the NHAI’s Jammu office invited bids through e-tendering for the work. The tender was cancelled and a fresh one was issued in January 2018. The conditions included that each bidder should have achieved an average annual financial turnover equal to the amount indicated in the notice inviting tender, during the last three years ending March 31 of the previous financial year, certified by a Chartered Accountant. The previous similar works shown as experience should have been satisfactorily completed as a prime contractor during the last seven years. The tender evaluation committee examined the bids and it turned out that the certificates of the other four bidders clearly mentioned the experience of work on the GT Road However, the accused firm’s certificate was silent about the nature of work, as alleged. After the opening of the financial bids, the committee recommended the acceptability of rates of the lowest bidder, M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, which was 41.25% below the estimated cost of Rs 15.90 crore of the tender. The second-lowest bidder, M/s Mohandas V Rajani, made a representation complaining about alleged discrepancies. His complaint was turned down stating that it was out of context. However, during the initial probe, Mr Rajak told the agency that the issue had not been discussed in the committee. M/s Mohandas V Rajani approached the Delhi High Court, which directed the NHAI to verify the experience certificates submitted by M/s Rajesh Kumar Chaudhary. It is alleged that the then Regional Officer did not take efforts to do the verification properly. Image Source Also read: CBI lodges FIR against DHFL for fake PMAY subsidy claims

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..