Thu May 22 13:55:33 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik and seven others in connection with alleged corruption in the awarding of a ₹2,200-crore civil works contract for the Kiru hydropower project. The chargesheet comes after a three-year investigation and names several individuals associated with the Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL) and Patel Engineering Limited. Malik, who previously claimed he was offered a bribe to clear the project, denies the allegations against him and claims he is being targeted for exposing corruption.

**News Article:**

**CBI Files Chargesheet Against Ex-J&K Governor Satyapal Malik in Hydropower Project Corruption Case**

**New Delhi, May 22, 2025** – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik and seven others in connection with alleged corruption related to the ₹2,200-crore Kiru Hydropower Project. The chargesheet, filed after a three-year investigation, accuses Malik and others of irregularities in the awarding of civil works contracts for the project.

Besides Malik, the chargesheet names his aides Virender Rana and Kanwar Singh Rana, as well as M.S. Babu (then Managing Director of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL)), CVPPPL directors Arun Kumar Mishra and M.K. Mittal, Rupen Patel (Managing Director of Patel Engineering Limited), and a private individual, Kanwaljeet Singh Duggal.

The CBI’s investigation stems from allegations that the contract for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power (HEP) Project was awarded to Patel Engineering Limited in 2019 through questionable means. The FIR alleges that a decision to re-tender the project was bypassed and the contract was ultimately awarded to Patel Engineering.

Malik, who served as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from 2018 to 2019, has vehemently denied the allegations. He previously claimed he was offered a ₹300-crore bribe to clear two files, including the Kiru project. Following CBI searches of his residence last year, Malik stated he was being targeted for speaking out against corruption and that authorities were attempting to intimidate him.

“The dictator is trying to scare me by misusing government agencies. I am a farmer’s son, I will neither be afraid nor bow down,” Malik posted online at the time.

In a message posted on ‘X’ earlier today, Malik stated he was admitted to a hospital and unable to speak to well-wishers calling him. The case will now proceed before a special court.

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