SP Group Launches Internal Inquiry After Executive Arrested in CBI Bribery Investigation

The Shapoorji Pallonji Group has initiated an internal investigation following the arrest of one of its executives by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a bribery case. The executive was allegedly involved in settling an appeal favourably for the engineering and construction giant. This development has prompted the group to scrutinise the alleged misconduct closely.

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The CBI apprehended Jeevan Lal Lavidiya, Commissioner of Income Tax Exemption in Hyderabad, for purportedly accepting a bribe of Rs 70 lakh. This bribe was allegedly intended to resolve an appeal in favour of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. Lavidiya, an officer from the 2004 batch of the Indian Revenue Service, was arrested alongside Viral Kantilal Mehta, Deputy General Manager Taxation at Shapoorji Pallonji Group, and three others: Sairam Palisetty, Natta Veera Naga Sri Ram Gopal, and Sajida Majhar Hussain Shah.

Internal Inquiry and Commitment to Integrity

In response to these allegations, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group issued a statement emphasising its commitment to transparency and integrity. "Given the seriousness of these allegations, the group has already launched an internal enquiry into the alleged conduct and will take the necessary steps based on the outcome of the investigation," stated the group.

The group clarified that it was unaware of any misconduct by its employee and did not sanction such actions. "The alleged conduct was not with the knowledge of the Group, nor was it sanctioned by the Group," they asserted. The group stressed that such behaviour contradicts its core values and policies.

Cooperation with Authorities

The Shapoorji Pallonji Group expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with authorities during their investigations. The group remains steadfast in maintaining its 160-year-old tradition of conducting business with honesty and adherence to all applicable laws.

By launching an internal inquiry and cooperating with authorities, the group aims to address these allegations thoroughly. Their focus is on ensuring that their business operations continue to reflect their longstanding values of transparency and integrity.

With inputs from PTI