CBI raids across 11 states, UTs uncover multi crore Scam linked to BRO Projects in J&K and Ladakh

Four FIRs registered after Defence Ministry complaint; 10 BRO officers named as investigators search 26 locations, including J&K and Ladakh

LEH/SRINAGAR: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday carried out coordinated searches at 26 locations across 11 States and Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, after registering four FIRs in connection with an alleged multi-crore fund misappropriation case involving Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects in Ladakh.

The action follows complaints filed by the Ministry of Defence after an internal inquiry conducted by the Technical Board of Officers of the BRO. According to the investigating agency, the case pertains to the alleged fraudulent deployment of casual labourers and the release of government payments in the names of fictitious workers under Project Vijayak and Project Yojak, leading to suspected diversion of public funds.

Searches were conducted simultaneously in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland as part of the nationwide operation.

The CBI has named 10 BRO officers, including Lieutenant Colonels, Majors and Engineers, along with certain private individuals, in the FIRs, pointing to the alleged involvement of serving officials and others in the suspected financial irregularities.

The FIRs include charges of cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy and misappropriation of government funds under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, covering allegations of criminal misconduct and bribery.

According to the agency, investigators recovered several documents and digital devices during the searches. Officials said the material seized is expected to assist in establishing the financial trail and examining the alleged execution of fraudulent transactions linked to the BRO projects.

The investigation centres on the alleged creation of fake labour records and the release of payments against non-existent workers under the two BRO projects in Ladakh. The CBI is examining the role of officials and private persons allegedly associated with the suspected diversion of government funds.

The agency said the investigation remains underway and reiterated its commitment to carrying out a comprehensive and time-bound probe into the alleged corruption and financial irregularities connected with the BRO projects in Ladakh.