According to News Agencies
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against several officials from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd. (TCEL) for allegedly forming a cartel. The First Information Report (FIR) names one retired and three serving JNPT officials, along with TCEL and other private firms and individuals. The allegations revolve around irregularities and corruption in the awarding of a ₹27-crore contract for an integrated common rail yard facility at JNPT in Uran, Navi Mumbai.
The CBI’s investigation was initiated following a preliminary inquiry which revealed alleged criminal conspiracy and misconduct. It is claimed that the accused colluded to favor certain private companies by manipulating the tender process. The agency alleges that the officials from JNPT, acting as public servants, abused their official positions. This was purportedly done in conspiracy with TCEL, which was serving as the consultant for the project, to extend undue favors to the private contractors involved in the cartel.
According to the FIR, the cartel operated to subvert fair competition, ensuring the contract was awarded to a pre-determined bidder. The CBI has invoked sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy and cheating, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The alleged actions by the accused have raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness in public procurement processes at one of India’s premier container handling ports.
In response to the developments, searches were conducted by the CBI at multiple locations, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune, which led to the recovery of incriminating documents. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal agencies to tackle corruption and cartelization in large-scale infrastructure projects. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the CBI proceeds with its probe into the nexus between the officials and the private entities.