CBI makes surprise check at Barh Super Thermal Power Station

NEW DELHI: CBI and Vigilance Office of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) today carried out a surprise check at Barh Super Thermal Power Station in Barh area of Patna district following allegation of corruption in awarding contracts and extortion racket being run by locals in "connivance with influential people".

The surprise check was initiated after their were serious allegations of violations in awarding of small tenders to firms at double the price than the estimated cost.

There is a prima-facie allegations of cartelisation of companies who used to walk away with majority of the contracts at a higher price, official sources said

Some of the companies from outside, who managed to get a contact, were subjected to heavy extortion, they said adding that "The role of NTPC officials, local contractors and influential persons is suspected".

The suspected firms of the local area and others were indulging in such activities due to which project implementation of NTPC at Barh was seriously hampered, they said.

During the the surprise check, teams of CBI and NTPC officials have collected relevant documents and further action will be taken after scrutinising them.