- CBI charges former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik with graft in the Kiru project.
- Malik allegedly took bribes to clear project files in Jammu & Kashmir.
- He vocally criticized the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the charges surfaced.
- Malik’s hospital admission raises questions about evading legal action.
- The opposition claims that the charges reflect a political vendetta against Malik’s outspokenness.
- CBI’s probe targets Malik’s aides and Chenab Valley Power Project officials.
- Malik denies the allegations, stating that he canceled the corrupt tender himself.
- His past anti-BJP stance fuels debate over probe’s motives.
- Farmers’ groups rally behind Malik, citing his support for the 2020 protest.
- Political analysts see the case impacting J&K’s regional politics.
Chandigarh: Former Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik faces a deepening crisis as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) levels graft charges against him. Accused of accepting bribes to clear projects in the Kashmir Valley, Malik’s legal troubles coincide with his recent hospitalization, prompting speculation about evading action. His vocal criticism of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi adds a political twist to the controversy, which threatens to reshape Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
CBI’s Graft Charges Against Malik Stir Controversy
The CBI filed a chargesheet against Satya Pal Malik on May 22, 2025, alleging corruption in the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project. The agency claims Malik received bribes through aides to approve project files. “We’ve traced the money trail,” a CBI official told India Today. The probe also targets officials from the Chenab Valley Power Projects and Malik’s associates. Malik, who served as governor from 2018 to 2019, denies the charges. He insists he canceled the corrupt tender himself. The timing of the charges, following his anti-BJP remarks, raises eyebrows.
Malik’s outspoken nature has long irked the ruling party. He accused the Modi government of overlooking corruption in Jammu and Kashmir projects. Opposition leaders, including Congress, call the charges a “vendetta.” They argue Malik’s criticism of the Pulwama attack response prompted retaliation. The case has polarized opinions, with some seeing Malik as a whistleblower. Others view him as complicit in the very corruption he decried.
Hospital Admission Sparks Evasion Allegations
Malik’s recent hospitalization for kidney issues has fueled speculation about dodging legal action. Admitted to a Delhi hospital days after the chargesheet, his health crisis coincides with CBI’s intensified probe. “It’s convenient timing,” said a BJP leader, speaking anonymously to The Hindu. Malik’s supporters dismiss these claims, citing his critical condition. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern, noting his dialysis treatment. “Targeting a sick man is unjust,” she tweeted on May 22, 2025.
The hospitalization has not halted CBI’s efforts. Searches at Malik’s residences in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir in February 2024 uncovered evidence, according to the agency. Critics question why Malik, who flagged the bribery in 2021, now faces accusations. His allies argue the government seeks to silence him. The public remains divided, with social media abuzz over his intentions.
Malik’s Anti-BJP Stance Fuels Political Debate
Malik’s rift with the BJP began after his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir ended in 2019. As Meghalaya governor, he alleged a Rs 300 crore bribe offer in J&K projects. He also criticized the Modi government’s handling of the 2020 farmers’ protests and the abrogation of Article 370. “I informed PM Modi about corruption,” Malik claimed in a June 2025 interview with The Wire. His support for farmers earned him allies among agrarian groups.
Farmers’ unions now back Malik, viewing him as a victim of political targeting. “He stood with us,” said a BKU leader. The controversy has reignited debates over the governance of Jammu and Kashmir. Analysts predict the case could sway voter sentiment in upcoming elections. As Malik battles legal and health challenges, his fate remains uncertain.
