The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted extensive searches at six locations across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and the Delhi-NCR region. These raids are part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged Rs 661 crore bank fraud involving the diversion of government funds from departments within the Haryana government and the Chandigarh administration.
The operations, carried out on Friday, targeted premises linked to senior Haryana cadre public servants. Also under scrutiny are Noida-based Vipam Consultancy Pvt Ltd and its director, according to official statements from the agency.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The CBI's investigation centers on government funds that were reportedly parked with IDFC First Bank and AU Finance Bank. These funds were subsequently siphoned off through a complex network believed to involve collusion between public servants and bank officials. The alleged fraud impacted eight departments of the Haryana government and two departments of the Chandigarh administration, specifically the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST).
The current probe consolidates three distinct cases: one initially handled by the Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, and two others originally registered by the Economic Offences Wing police station in Chandigarh.
CBI Alleges Collusion and Undue Benefits
Evidence gathered by the CBI suggests that public servants actively colluded with bank officials. This alleged collaboration facilitated the opening of accounts, the transfer of government funds, and their subsequent diversion for illicit purposes. The agency further claims that the implicated officials received undue benefits in exchange for facilitating these fraudulent transactions and for failing to act against the irregularities as required by their positions.
Vipam Consultancy Under Scanner
Noida-based Vipam Consultancy Pvt Ltd has also come under the CBI's scanner. The agency alleges that the consultancy firm received proceeds of crime in its bank account, which were later transferred to the personal account of its director. During the search operations, investigators seized crucial documents, digital devices, property-related records, and other materials deemed relevant to the ongoing investigation.
First Chargesheet Filed
The CBI has already filed its initial chargesheet in connection with this case before a special court in Panchkula. This chargesheet reportedly outlines the alleged roles of specific public servants from the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd and the Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad. It also details the alleged modus operandi used to siphon off the government funds from IDFC First Bank and AU Finance Bank.