A case of embezzlement of government funds has been registered against former MLA of Himachal Pradesh Hoshiar Singh. It is alleged that he withdrew the money received from the accounts of the beneficiaries under the MLA Grant Scheme and kept it with himself. Employees of his own company had filed a complaint.
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [भारत]July 20 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) has registered an FIR against former Dehra MLA Hoshiar Singh Chambyal in connection with alleged embezzlement of government funds under the MLA Discretionary Grant Scheme.
According to an official statement issued on Sunday, the case was registered after a preliminary investigation on a complaint filed by employees of the former MLA’s company. The complainant is also among the beneficiaries listed in this case.
What did the investigation reveal?
The Vigilance Bureau said it examined official records, bank statements of beneficiaries, government documents and statements of complainants and other persons during preliminary verification. The investigation reportedly revealed that during 2023 and 2024, financial assistance was sanctioned and distributed under the MLA Vivekanudan Scheme in the name of several individuals. However, the complainants and other beneficiaries reportedly said that they had never applied for such financial assistance.
According to the bureau, the beneficiaries also alleged that after the grant amount was deposited in their bank accounts, they withdrew the cash on the instructions of the former MLA and handed it over to them. Based on documentary evidence and bank records collected during verification, the Vigilance Bureau said that prima facie indicated that public funds were used for purposes other than those prescribed under the scheme and the actual beneficiaries did not get the benefit of the sanctioned assistance.
Case registered under these sections
On receipt of prima facie evidence of offenses relating to criminal breach of trust and cheating, the Bureau registered FIR No. 05/2026 under sections 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 on July 16, 2026 at SV&ACB Police Station, Dharamshala and initiated formal investigation.
The agency said the role of any other person in the investigation will also be examined and it will be determined whether offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act or any other relevant legal provisions are made out based on the evidence collected during the investigation.
The agency assured a fair investigation
The SV&ACB said the investigation will be conducted in a fair, transparent and evidence-based manner, and any criminal liability will be determined in accordance with the available evidence and the law. Reiterating its commitment to combat corruption, the Bureau said it adheres to a policy of zero-tolerance towards misuse of public funds, corruption and crimes that undermine public trust, and it is its top priority to ensure that investigations remain impartial, independent and effective. (ANI)
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