The Central Investigation Bureau (CBI) conducted raids at six places in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Delhi-NCR in an alleged fraud case of Rs 661 crore related to embezzlement of government funds from departments of Haryana government and Chandigarh administration. As part of the ongoing investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds deposited in IDFC First Bank and AU Finance Bank, raids were conducted on Friday at premises belonging to senior Haryana cadre government officials and Noida-based Vipam Consultancy Pvt Ltd and its director, an official statement said. According to the CBI, the fraud affected eight departments of the Haryana government and two departments of Chandigarh – Chandigarh Municipal Corporation and Chandigarh Society for Promotion of Renewable Energy and Science and Technology (CREST).
collusion with bank officials
The statement said that during the investigation, such evidence has come to light which shows that government employees, in collusion with bank officials, opened accounts and transferred money and then used it for other purposes. The CBI alleged that government employees received undue favors in return for facilitating transactions and not taking action against irregularities. The investigating agency also alleged that the proceeds of crime were deposited in the bank account of Vipam Consultancy Pvt Ltd, which was later transferred to the personal account of its director. CBI said that incriminating documents, digital devices, property related documents and other related materials were seized during the raid.
Charge sheet filed in Panchkula court
The investigation pertains to one case taken up by the Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau and two cases originally registered by the Economic Offenses Wing police station, Chandigarh. The CBI said that these cases relate to alleged criminal conspiracy, misuse of government funds and related crimes committed in connivance with bank officials and public servants. The CBI said it has filed its first charge sheet in a special court in Panchkula, detailing the alleged role of public servants of Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited and Haryana School Education Project Council. The charge sheet also details the alleged modus operandi used to embezzle government funds deposited in IDFC First Bank and AU Finance Bank. The investigation is ongoing and additional chargesheets will be filed against other accused found involved in this case.
