ED questions ex-Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in DJB-linked PMLA case
Jain, 60, reached the federal probe agency's office here around 11:15 am and his statement is being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.
The investigation pertains to allegations of corruption in the augmentation of some sewage treatment plants by DJB. The ED had conducted searches in this case in July last year.
The money laundering probe stems from an FIR of the Delhi government anti-corruption branch (ACB) against a company named Euroteck Environmental Pvt Ltd.and others alleging a scam in the DJB in the name of augmentation and upgradation of 10 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at Pappankala, Nilothi, Najafgarh, Keshopur, Coronation Pillar, Narela, Rohini and Kondli.
These four tenders valued at Rs 1,943 crore were awarded to various joint venture (JV) entities in October, 2022.
The ACB FIR alleged, according to the ED, that only three JV companies participated in the four tenders.
The verification of the tender documents shows that the initial cost of four tenders was about Rs 1,546 crore, which was revised to Rs 1,943 crore without following due process/project reports, according to the ED.
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Time of India
11 minutes ago
- Time of India
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The strategic significance of this initiative was highlighted when Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a pilot facility. Defence laboratories are currently evaluating sample deliveries. The company's annual report explicitly acknowledges a significant challenge in its Opportunities and Threats section: "Availability of limited processing technologies and knowhow on rare earths other than China." Also Read | US plans 'economic bunker buster' bill: Will Donald Trump impose 500% tariff on countries importing oil from Russia? How it may impact India Nevertheless, this limitation could potentially transform into an advantage. Once IREL masters the required technology, it could establish itself as an alternative supplier to China, positioning India as a viable secondary source in the global supply chain. India is also seeking international sources to address its deficit. IREL, following governmental guidance, is now exploring rare earth resources in Oman, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. 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India's rare earth situation reflects limitations in technical capacity and economic viability rather than lack of intention. The country has long acknowledged its Chinese dependency and sought independence. Achieving a competitive rare earth magnet sector requires persistent exploration, advanced technical collaborations, efficient regulations and substantial governmental backing. The country has reduced rare earth mining royalty to 1% and initiated auctions in 2023. Survey activities continue to increase. This endeavour has only just started and will demand sustained dedication over the coming years. We have a long way to go! Also Read | India bleeds Pakistan dry: Water at 'dead' levels in Pakistan's dams; bigger Indus river plans in the works - top points to know Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India.com
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- India.com
Bad news for NRIs, Indian students in US as Trump brings new law that..., set to affect India due to...
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The Hindu
26 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Kerala HC extends interim order restraining arrest of ED officer
The Kerala High Court on Thursday extended an interim order issued by it restraining the arrest of Sekhar Kumar, an Assistant Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in connection with a case relating to the alleged demand of ₹2 crore as bribe from a Kollam-based cashew businessman to extricate him from a money-laundering case, until the pronouncement of the final order. Mr. Kumar had filed an anticipatory bail petition before the court, claiming his innocence and alleging that he was falsely implicated in the case with ulterior motives. He contended that the businessman somehow wanted to wriggle out of the probe that had been initiated against him by the ED for allegedly siphoning off ₹24 lakh and that the Vigilance case against him was part of a bid by the businessman to escape legal action.
