Hyderabad: A new development has emerged in the Kaleshwaram corruption case, with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood arriving in Hyderabad on Friday. He held a special meeting with officials at the CBI branch office in Koti. His sudden visit gained significance against the backdrop of the Justice Chandra Ghose Commission’s report on the project.
The Telangana government had earlier written to the Centre, seeking a CBI inquiry into irregularities flagged in the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report and endorsed by the commission. The letter urged the agency to probe the Kaleshwaram Corporation, interstate aspects of the project, and the role of both central and state governments.
The state also asked for investigation into elected representatives, contractors, officials and private companies involved in the project, citing major irregularities in design, quality and construction that led to structural failures.
Who is Praveen Sood?
Praveen Sood is an IPS officer of the 1986 Karnataka cadre who serves as the Director of the CBI. He took charge on May 25, 2023, on a two-year contract, replacing Subodh Jaiswal. Earlier, he had served as the Director General and Inspector General of Police of Karnataka.
Sood, born in Himachal Pradesh in 1964, graduated in electrical engineering from IIT Delhi after passing the JEE. He then succeeded on the first attempt in the UPSC Civil Services exam and got his first posting at Mysuru in 1989.
It has been referred to as an innovative and incorruptible officer, Sood has held key positions, including Commissioner of Police of Mysuru and Bengaluru, chairman of the Karnataka Police Housing Corporation, and Principal Secretary of the state Home Department. He has also served as Police Advisor to the Mauritius government from 1999 to 2002.