SAIL Whistleblower Rajeev Bhatia Dares Chairman Amarendu Prakash To Public Debate

In a bold and unprecedented move in the history of Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), whistleblower Rajeev Bhatia has publicly challenged Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Chairman Amarendu Prakash to a one-on-one open debate.

Bhatia, who was recently forced into retirement, played a key role in exposing an alleged ₹800 crore scam within the Maharatna PSU.

The scam, which came to light in early 2024, prompted the Ministry of Steel to suspend 29 senior SAIL officials, including top brass like Director (Commercial) V.S. Chakravarthy and Director (Finance) A.K. Tulsiani, on January 19, 2024. The suspensions were based on findings of a Lokpal investigation that highlighted serious lapses in due diligence, policy manipulation favoring certain companies, and massive financial mismanagement. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was tasked with probing SAIL’s dealings with private players such as Venkatesh Infra Projects and Avon Steel Industries.

However, in June 2024, all 29 officials were reinstated, raising eyebrows within bureaucratic and public accountability circles. Despite the CBI investigation still ongoing, those implicated returned to their influential roles—leading to speculation about internal influence and shielding from higher quarters.

Rajeev Bhatia, who played a pivotal role in initiating the probe, alleges that the revocation of suspensions was followed by a systematic vendetta against whistleblowers. He claims he was deliberately given poor performance reviews and subsequently forced into retirement along with 11 others.

In a daring move, Bhatia has now directly addressed Chairman Amarendu Prakash, demanding an open public debate on the entire episode. “Does Mr. Prakash have the courage to face the whistleblower of the ₹800 crore scam?” Bhatia questioned in a public statement, accusing the Chairman of remaining silent and complicit while whistleblowers were punished.

This challenge has stirred discussions across PSU circles and watchdog bodies, as it raises fundamental questions about transparency, protection of whistleblowers, and accountability in India’s public sector undertakings.

The ball is now in the court of the SAIL leadership. Whether Chairman Amarendu Prakash will respond to this bold call remains to be seen.

In all likelihood, Amarendu Prakash will not respond this time too, is what we think.

We Report, You Decide…