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CM asks speedy probe into NTPC kickbacks

PATNA — Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today demanded the Centre order the CBI to ensure speedy probe into the alleged multi-crore rupees kickbacks paid by a Russian company in a NTPC project in the state.

“The Centre must ensure speedy inquiry into the alleged kickbacks in the Bihar NTPC project,” Nitish told reporters here.

He said the erstwhile Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had gifted the project to Bihar because of untiring efforts by the state NDA leaders.

India’s interest in Russia’s oilfields may have stalled state-run NTPC’s efforts to initiate action against Russian power equipment manufacturer Technoprom Exports for allegedly paying Rs 100 crore kickback to secure a contract for the utility’s Bihar power project. But with both Interpol and the CBI confirming the payoffs, there seems to be a change of heart in the government.

MEA has given the go-ahead to a proposal to initiate action against the firm and cancel the order. But the proposal will have to be cleared by the Cabinet since, as a senior government official said, it involves ‘‘international sensitivities and may affect plans to secure India’s energy needs”.

The Russian firm had won the contract worth over Rs 2,000 crore in 2005 but soon came under CBI scanner.

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- AGENCIES