BJP donor firm named in Rs 400 crore SAIL Steel scam; CBI acts on Lokpal’s order
New Delhi: A company that donated Rs 30 crore to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) via electoral bonds is at the center of a major scam involving the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). According to a detailed investigation by The Wire, APCO Infratech Pvt Ltd has been named in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR filed in October 2024, based on findings by the Lokpal and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The scam involves the illegal procurement and resale of subsidized steel worth over Rs 400 crore.
The CBI FIR alleges that APCO Infratech issued a fraudulent work experience certificate to Venkatesh Infra Projects Pvt Ltd (VIPPL), a shell company incorporated just a week before it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SAIL in October 2020. This certificate falsely claimed that VIPPL had participated in 11 large infrastructure projects as a subcontractor under APCO – a claim later found to be fabricated.
The Wire’s Hindi report by journalist Ankit Raj, translated by Naushin Rehman, provides documentary evidence from the FIR, Lokpal's directions, and CVC findings, showing that VIPPL used this false credential to procure steel from SAIL at highly subsidized rates under the “Project MoU Scheme,” and then sold it in the open market for profit.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) later confirmed to the CVC that VIPPL had no role in the projects listed. Despite this, SAIL officials approved the MoU without verifying the authenticity of the documents, enabling VIPPL to purchase over 1.1 million tonnes of steel meant for legitimate infrastructure projects.
Interestingly, between 2020 and 2023, APCO purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 30 crore – all of which were encashed by the BJP. During this same period, APCO was also awarded several infrastructure contracts by government agencies.
The whistleblower in the case, Rajiv Bhatia, a former SAIL marketing officer, raised internal alarms and eventually approached the Prime Minister’s Office. He was suspended in 2022 and later prematurely retired, even as other officials suspended in connection with the scam were reinstated after the 2024 General Elections.
The Lokpal in its January 2024 order observed: “There is prima facie material on record to indicate lack of due diligence on the part of the concerned officers of SAIL. Possible connivance of some officials with M/s VIPPL cannot be ruled out.”
SAIL has denied that any financial loss occurred and maintained that VIPPL was a legitimate dealer. However, the CVC and Lokpal reports sharply contradict this claim, pointing to coordinated fraud involving forged documentation and insider cooperation.
The CBI has begun further investigations into other companies and officials allegedly involved in similar fraudulent MoUs with SAIL.
This story is based on an original investigative report published in Hindi by The Wire, reported by Ankit Raj and translated by Naushin Rehman.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
