SP Group launches internal inquiry on arrest of executive in bribery case

The SP Group further said it remains committed to fully cooperating with relevant authorities during the investigation.

Shapoorji Pallonji Group on Saturday said it has launched an internal inquiry into the alleged conduct of one of its executives arrested by the CBI in connection with a bribery case related to settling an appeal in favour of the engineering and construction conglomerate.

The CBI arrested Jeevan Lal Lavidiya, Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemption), Hyderabad, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹70 lakh to favour the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. Lavidiya, a 2004-batch Indian Revenue Service officer, was arrested along with Viral Kantilal Mehta, Deputy General Manager (Taxation) at Shapoorji Pallonji Group; Sairam Palisetty; Natta Veera Naga Sri Ram Gopal; and Sajida Majhar Hussain Shah, officials said.

Reacting to the development, the SP Group said in a statement:

“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.”

The company added that it “has been made aware of a serious allegation of misconduct against an employee of one of our group company subsidiaries.”

The group clarified:

“The alleged conduct was not with the knowledge of the Group, nor was it sanctioned by the Group. This goes against the very values and policies that the Group upholds in its business operations.”

The SP Group further said it remains committed to fully cooperating with relevant authorities during the investigation.

The statement concluded by affirming the group’s commitment to its legacy:

“The group is resolute in its commitment to uphold its 160-year-old legacy of conducting business with transparency, integrity, and in full compliance with all applicable laws.”