The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a case against Hyderabad-based infrastructure firm Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) on charges of alleged bribery involving officials of NMDC Limited and engineering consultancy firm MECON Limited. The case stems from purported payments against invoices and relates to contracts associated with the Jagdalpur integrated steel plant under the steel ministry.
MEIL, which emerged as the second-largest buyer of Electoral Bonds, has come under scrutiny following revelations of substantial contributions to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Notably, the firm’s Electoral Bond purchases totaled ₹966 crore, with significant donations made to the BJP between April 2019 and October 2023.
The firm’s involvement in the ongoing investigation extends to its purported role in unaccounted income transactions linked to the Congress party, as indicated by the Income Tax department’s scrutiny spanning several assessment years.
The CBI’s action follows a preliminary enquiry initiated in August last year, culminating in the registration of a case on March 31. The investigation revolves around alleged bribes amounting to over ₹78 lakh paid to NMDC and MECON officials in exchange for payments exceeding ₹174 crore against 73 invoices until December 2018.
Named individuals in the FIR include MEIL’s general manager Subhash Chandra Sangras, along with various public servants from NMDC and MECON. The FIR alleges irregularities related to a project awarded to Megha Engineering for works at the Jagdalpur integrated steel plant.
With the investigation unfolding, the case underscores the broader implications of corporate conduct and transparency in government contracts. As the CBI delves into the details of the alleged wrongdoing, the outcome of the probe will likely shape perceptions of accountability and governance in India’s infrastructure sector.
