Lucknow: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against Pankaj Dubey, former Deputy Chief Engineer and Project Manager of Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited (WAPCOS), along with four others, over allegations that he received air travel and hotel accommodation from private companies in return for allegedly helping them secure Jal Jeevan Mission projects and clear pending payments.
The FIR was registered by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Lucknow following a preliminary inquiry into the alleged arrangement. Apart from Dubey, the accused include Jigar Desai, Sheel Raidot, Raidot Infotech Private Limited and Utkarsh Software Services.
According to the allegations, individuals associated with the private companies provided Dubey with travel and hotel facilities. In return, he allegedly helped the companies obtain work under the Jal Jeevan Mission and facilitated the approval of their pending bills and payments.
Dubey was posted in Solan for over five years
According to the FIR, Dubey served as WAPCOS Deputy Chief Engineer and Project Manager in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, from May 18, 2020, to July 23, 2025. He was subsequently posted to Bhubaneswar from July 24, 2025.
During his posting in Solan, Raidot Infotech Private Limited, allegedly linked to Jigar Desai, received 10 projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission through WAPCOS, the CBI has alleged.
The agency is examining the allocation of these projects, the tender process, approvals and subsequent payment records to determine whether Dubey played any improper role in favouring the company.
A key aspect of the investigation is the alleged overlap between the benefits provided to Dubey and the company’s pending bills. The CBI is examining whether the travel and accommodation allegedly arranged for Dubey were connected to decisions concerning the company’s projects or outstanding payments.
Company allegedly paid for flights and hotel stays
The CBI’s preliminary findings allegedly indicate that people associated with the private companies paid for Dubey’s air travel and hotel accommodation.
Investigators are now examining who booked the flights, who made the hotel payments, which accounts were used and whether the alleged benefits were provided in exchange for any official action by Dubey.
Travel records, hotel invoices, payment details and financial records of the companies are expected to form an important part of the investigation. These records will be compared with WAPCOS documents and the payment history of the projects concerned.
WhatsApp chats mention pending payments
WhatsApp conversations recovered from Dubey’s mobile phone have also emerged as an important part of the investigation.
According to the CBI, the chats contain discussions with Sheel Raidot relating to pending payments and the approval of bills. The agency is examining these conversations along with departmental documents, financial records and other digital evidence.
The CBI has alleged that Raidot Infotech’s bills and payments were pending with WAPCOS during the period when Dubey was allegedly receiving travel and hotel facilities.
Investigators are now trying to establish whether there was a direct link between the alleged personal benefits and actions taken in connection with the company’s pending payments.
Ten Jal Jeevan Mission projects under scrutiny
The 10 Jal Jeevan Mission projects awarded to Raidot Infotech through WAPCOS are also central to the investigation.
The CBI is examining whether the company was selected in accordance with prescribed tender and procurement procedures and whether all required approvals were properly obtained.
Investigators will also examine the process through which the company’s bills were processed and approved, including the officials involved in different stages of the payment process.
If evidence establishes that rules were deliberately bypassed or that the company received an undue advantage, those findings will form part of the ongoing investigation.
Dubey already facing another bribery case
Dubey is already an accused in another corruption case registered by the CBI.
An FIR registered on February 21, 2026, alleged that he accepted a ₹10 lakh bribe in exchange for helping secure a tender. The CBI filed a chargesheet in that case before the court on April 20, 2026.
In the new case, investigators are examining whether the alleged air travel and hotel accommodation provided by private companies constituted an improper benefit linked to official decisions concerning government-related projects and payments.
Documents, financial transactions and digital evidence being examined
Following registration of the new FIR, the CBI is examining WAPCOS records, Jal Jeevan Mission project files, tender documents, bills, payment details and digital communications between the accused.
The agency is also expected to trace the sources of payments for flight tickets and hotel bookings and determine whether the expenses were borne directly by the companies or through intermediaries.
Investigators will examine whether the alleged facilities were personal benefits or were connected to the commercial interests of the companies, and whether the companies subsequently received any undue advantage in the award of projects or clearance of payments.
The allegations in the FIR are currently under investigation. The CBI’s detailed probe, documentary evidence, financial records and digital communications will determine whether a criminal link existed between the alleged benefits provided to the WAPCOS official and the assistance allegedly extended to the private companies.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
