Archive · 19 Dec 2025
J&K Police Warns About 29 Workers in Ratle Project
The Jammu and Kashmir Police recently warned the company building the Ratle Hydro Electric Project about 29 workers who might have links to militants or criminal activities.
The police said these workers could be a risk to the project.
The company's boss said they can't fire these workers without proof.
A local politician, Shagun Parihar, has been arguing with the company about hiring practices.
The project is behind schedule and costing a lot of money.
The workers in question have been working there for a long time, and the company says they were hired under pressure from local leaders.
The police letter mentioned specific individuals with links to terrorism, which has added to the controversy.
The project has faced delays and interference since its start in 2008.
J&K Police warned MEIL about 29 workers with alleged militant or criminal backgrounds at the Ratle Hydro Electric Project.
Five of the workers have alleged militancy links, while 23 have criminal backgrounds.
MEIL COO Harpal Singh admitted receiving the police advice but stated they cannot take action without legal proof.
BJP Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar has been involved in a dispute with MEIL over hiring practices and project delays.
The Ratle Hydro Electric Project is slated for completion by September 2026 at a cost of Rs 3,700 crore.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Police, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), BJP Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar, MEIL COO Harpal Singh
- What
- J&K Police warned MEIL about 29 workers with alleged militant or criminal backgrounds at the Ratle Hydro Electric Project
- When
- November 1, 2023
- Where
- Kishtwar’s Drabshalla area, Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- To ensure the security of the project and prevent potential threats
BJP MLA Shagun Parihar
MEIL COO Harpal Singh
Hiring Practices
BJP MLA Shagun Parihar
Accuses MEIL of hiring individuals with questionable backgrounds and vindicates her allegations with the police letter.
MEIL COO Harpal Singh
Claims that the company was pressured to hire local individuals after Parihar won the 2024 elections.
Project Delays
BJP MLA Shagun Parihar
Implied interference in the project, possibly contributing to delays.
MEIL COO Harpal Singh
Accuses Parihar of interfering in the project, causing delays.
- Project
- Ratle Hydro Electric Project
- Location
- Kishtwar’s Drabshalla area, Jammu and Kashmir
- Capacity
- 850 MW
- Completion Date
- September 2026
- Cost
- Rs 3,700 crore
- Company
- Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL)
- Workers with Alleged Links
- 29
- Militancy Links
- 5
- Criminal Background
- 23
- MLA Involved
- Shagun Parihar
- MEIL COO
- Harpal Singh
- Police Communication Date
- November 1, 2023
- Notable Employees
- Mohammad Iqbal (brother of terrorist Mohammad Amin), Shamas Din (cousin of terrorist), Mohammad Nair (son of a surrendered militant)
