Corruption Unveiled: How Former AAI Chairman Allegedly Manipulated Airport Contracts

The CBI has filed a case against ex-AAI chairman V P Agarwal and others over alleged corruption in food and beverage contracts at Chennai and Kolkata airports during 2012-2013. Accusations include tender manipulation, favouritism towards certain bidders, and collusive bidding, leading to a formal CBI case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a corruption case against former Airports Authority of India (AAI) chairman V P Agarwal. The case involves favouritism in awarding contracts to specific airport-lounge operators and a popular fast-food chain company for operating food and beverage services at the Chennai and Kolkata airports in 2012-13.

After a preliminary enquiry stretching over three years, the CBI has extended the case to several former AAI officials, including then Member (Finance) S Suresh and then Executive Director R Bhandari. Companies such as Travel Food Services Chennai Private Limited, Travel Food Services Kolkata Private Limited, and Devyani International Limited are also under scrutiny.

Officials have alleged that AAI senior leaders engaged in gross misconduct, manipulated tender terms, and made unauthorized changes to benefit private entities during the tender process in 2012-13. The incident is reminiscent of broader concerns about corruption and misconduct in the tendering processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)