The Indian Railways has terminated the services of NHSRCL Managing Director Satish Agnihotri, who was in charge of the government’s prestigious bullet train project.
NHSRCL is a joint venture of the Government of India and participating states for implementing high-speed rail projects. (Photo: Representational)
The Indian Railways terminated the services of bullet train project head Satish Agnihotri on Thursday. Agnihotri, National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) Managing Director, was sacked after allegations of misuse of position, diverting funds, sources said.
The decision to terminate the services of Agnihotri came following a June 2 Lokpal court order directing the CBI to probe charges of corruption, sources said.
India Today accessed the letter dated July 7 of the railway board addressed to the company secretary of NHSRCL.
“The competent authority has approved the termination of office of Satish Agnihotri. He has been directed to be relieved with immediate effect,” it read.
Rajendra Prasad, Director, Projects, has been handed over the charge for three months.
NHSRCL is a joint venture of the Government of India and participating states for implementing high-speed rail projects. The company was tasked with completing the bullet train project between Mumbai to Ahmedabad.
In a complaint submitted last year in September, it was alleged that 2 former RVNL officers — Agnihotri and an ex-director (finance) — misused their official position and diverted Rs 1,100 crore (Rs 1,600 crore with interest) in an unauthorised manner to a private company called Krishnapatnam Rail Company Limited (KRCL), a subsidiary of the Navayuga Engineering Company Limited (NECL).
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