The road transport and highways (RTH) ministry is likely to give its approval to the central bureau of investigation (CBI) to prosecute SI Patel, a former member of the national highways authority of India (NHAI). Patel is currently working with the public works department (PWD) of Gujarat.

The CBI will investigate irregularities in the Nagpur-Betul highway tender allotted to Oriental Construction Company. The ministry had earlier turned down the CBI’s request to prosecute Patel.

Patel was a member in NHAI when irregularities were committed in the allotment of tender for constructing the Nagpur-Betul highway, sources said. This was when Kamal Nath was the minister in charge of this ministry and the then secretary, RTH, RS Gujral, as well as the then joint secretary, vigilance, SK Das, had turned down the agency’s request to act against Patel.

According to CBI sources, Patel allegedly favoured Oriental Construction Company in tender allotment. The tender was prepared by Patel, who included and excluded some clauses allegedly to the company’s benefit. According to the sources, a preliminary inquiry revealed that 10-12 free air tickets were booked by the company in the name of Patel for his private trips.