CBI books former chief manager of JNPA, Tata Consulting Engineers in ‘Rs 800 crore graft’ case linked to Mumbai dredging project
According to the agency, the alleged irregularities occurred during the execution of a Capital Dredging Project aimed at deepening the Nhava Sheva port's navigational channel to accommodate larger vessels.
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According to the CBI, the alleged irregularities occurred during the execution of a Capital Dredging Project aimed at deepening the port's navigational channel to accommodate larger vessels. (Express Archive)The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against former chief manager of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) Sunil Kumar Madabhavi, Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), Mumbai, as well as several private individuals and entities in connection with alleged corruption of over Rs 800 crore involving the Capital Dredging Project at Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai.
The other accused named in the First Information Report (FIR) include TCE director Devdutt Bose; M/s Boskalis Smit India LLP, Mumbai; and M/s Jan De Nul Dredging India Pvt Ltd, based in Chennai
The case, registered on June 18, 2025, stems from allegations that a criminal conspiracy was orchestrated between JNPA officials and a consortium of private firms, one based in Mumbai and the other in Chennai, to siphon off public funds under the guise of project payments.
According to the CBI, the alleged irregularities occurred during the execution of a Capital Dredging Project aimed at deepening the port’s navigational channel to accommodate larger vessels. During Phase-I of the project, JNPA reportedly made excessive payments, adding up to Rs 365.90 crore to contractors for supposed over-dredging work.
However, the payments came under scrutiny after it was revealed that during Phase-II, which coincided with the maintenance period of Phase-I, an additional Rs 438 crore was disbursed under the claim that no over-dredging had taken place in the previous phase, thereby contradicting earlier assertions.
In coordinated search operations across five locations in Mumbai and Chennai, CBI teams raided the residences of former JNPA officials, offices of the involved private companies, and the premises of the consulting firm. Officials recovered a large cache of project-related documents, digital devices, and evidence, allegedly indicating illicit investments made by public servants linked to the scam.
“The seized materials are currently under examination, and further inquiries are underway to determine the full scope of financial irregularities and identify all individuals involved,” a CBI spokesperson said.
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