The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 26 locations across 11 states and Union Territories related to alleged misappropriation of funds in the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The searches were part of an investigation into financial irregularities in BRO’s Project Vijayak and Project Yojak in Ladakh.
The cases involve suspected irregularities in the deployment of casual labourers and the release of payments under fictitious names, leading to the suspected diversion of government funds. The CBI initiated the searches based on four FIRs filed by the Ministry of Defence after an internal inquiry by the BRO’s Technical Board of Officers revealed evidence of financial misconduct.
The offences being investigated include misappropriation of government funds, cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, charges of criminal misconduct and bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, are also being looked into.
A total of 10 officials, including officers of the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Major, engineers, and private individuals, have been named in the FIRs. The CBI has recovered incriminating documents and digital evidence during the searches, which are currently under examination as part of the ongoing probe.
The CBI has affirmed its commitment to a thorough investigation and stated that it will diligently pursue the cases to ensure a comprehensive investigation. The BRO is responsible for the development and maintenance of road networks in border areas and neighboring countries.
